Why Quiet Quitting is Counterproductive

Have you heard the term “quiet quitting''?” It’s been going around lately, and it can be a problem if it isn’t addressed. Let’s examine what quiet quitting is, what it means for your business, and what you can do to solve it.

Quiet Quitting Is, In Essence, About Boundaries

Ultimately, quiet quitting is not about the employee giving up on their work and disappearing into the ether, only to emerge when needed. It’s more about setting healthy boundaries between themselves and their work and ensuring that they are not being taken advantage of in the workplace. This might look like an employee resisting tasks or responsibilities that they think are not a part of their duties, at least until they have received additional compensation. It’s the embodiment of the phrase “Act your wage.”

What quiet quitting boils down to is a rejection of the modern hustle culture that has permeated the workplace and cemented itself as the norm. It’s simply a polite refusal to go above and beyond their duties unless the employer makes it worth their while.

Who is Doing the Quiet Quitting?

Believe it or not, it’s not the younger generation which has overtaken the term. They might be more vocal about the concept, but the facts show that they are not the only ones who subscribe to this idea. Some individuals who have been in the workforce for longer are just as concerned about their work/life balance. It’s also possible that the workplace changes from the COVID-19 pandemic have made considerable changes to some peoples’ priorities, choosing to focus more on themselves over their work.

Quiet Quitting Isn’t Necessarily a Bad Thing

In a bizarre twist, quiet quitting can be a good thing for companies, even going so far as to help employees overcome their burnout and improve their work performance. Above all else, you should not view quiet quitting as a problem; it’s simply employees setting boundaries for what they will and will not tolerate, and it’s also the employer’s responsibility to stick to the terms and conditions for which the employee was hired. It’s not an employee refusing to do their duties; it’s the employee refusing to do more than their prescribed duties.

What Can You Do About Quiet Quitting?

First, let’s get this straight. Doing anything about quiet quitting is the wrong mindset to have. If your team is establishing boundaries, that is good for your business in the long run. It means that they will be more engaged in their work if you respect their boundaries, and they will be less likely to suffer from burnout. They aren’t quitting; they are just trying to be heard and seen. A better goal to have is to make sure that your team is being effective with the time they do have at their disposal.

For example, your team should be focusing on tasks that make good use of their talents, things that bring revenue into the business or provide value in some way. They should not have half their days mired up with rote, menial tasks. You know they are capable of so much more, but how can you ensure that they grow in this way?

Ferrum Technology Services can help your organization implement technology solutions that can help your team be successful. To learn more, reach out to us at (847) 697-3282 today.