The word ‘quiet quitting’ is everywhere on social media and major news channels. The word, probably a misnomer, doesn’t actually mean quitting your job. It is about doing the bare minimum at work and refusing the hustle culture that requires employees to go above and beyond. It is not just about slacking either. It is about the psychological state of withdrawal from work related tasks – not feeling excited with work or the prospect brought about by a successful career. For some people, it is simply setting clearer boundaries between work and life, but its essence is to undermine the capitalist ideals which believe in the value of hard work in bringing fortunes. 

‘Quiet quitting’ as an anti-work sentiment converges with social phenomenon in other parts of the world. It was sometimes understood as an extension of China’s ‘tang ping’ (literally means ‘lying flat’) or ‘bai lan’ (literally means ‘let it rot’) culture. In Japan, Kenichi Ohmae called it ‘the low desire society’. It is neither unique to the western culture, nor anything new. 

Such sentiments appeared long ago but the pandemic and the economic slowdown have reignited it in many ways. 

The pandemic has triggered people to rethink about their career choice and the way they work, while some people decided to leave their jobs culminated in the Great Resignation in the West, the people remained have appeared to be less engaged. A study by Gallup shows that the level of engagement started to decrease since early 2021 and ‘quiet quitters’ have now made up of over 50% of U.S. workforce. Study in Hong Kong released in 2021 also shows similar downward trends in engagement.  

Working harder doesn’t seem to be the answer for the global recession. The global economic slowdown, though manifested differently in different economic entities, has invited questions towards the purpose of work. It is expected that U.S. will enter recession in 2022. The high inflation coupled with slow wage growth is discouraging workers from putting more into work. On the other end of the global village, China’s GDP growth is expected to slow down to 2.8 percent in 2022 from 8.1 percent in 2021. Many workers in China have experienced pay cuts or worried of being laid off in times of economic stagnation. The economic downturn, together with a strict zero-Covid policy where there is nothing could be done at individual or enterprise level, have created this sense of helplessness permeating every aspects of life. Workers are increasingly disillusioned with what they could achieve in work.    

Notwithstanding that the ‘quiet quitting’ culture being necessitated by larger social and economic forces, there are measures for employers to reinstate a healthy relationship with their employees: 

• Introduce a 360-feedback cycle

A 360-feedback cycle allows the company to gather valuable thoughts and opinions from peers, managers and subordinates. Lower-level employees could also provide feedback anonymously to ensure there is nothing on the way to stop employees from giving more. 

• Mapping career growth

Define clear pathways for employees to move ahead — listing out competence required as well as the rewards to be received. Presenting clear, objective and measurable milestones for the employees to achieve actually empower employees to make informed decision about their career. Employers should, however, avoid giving empty promises to employees if they are not ready to commit. 

• Innovative benefits and perks

Aside from the regular employee benefits such as medical, retirement saving plan, paid time off, being innovative on employees’ benefits and perks can show employers’ appreciation and recognition. Innovative benefits include mental health services, childcare support, pet insurance, fertility benefits, etc. Perks are more spontaneous such as availability of snacks, surprise decoration of office desk to express gratitude, and personalised experiential gifts are great ways to help employees bring back their true self at work. 

• Offer flexibility at work

Flexible work will stay after the pandemic. Not only is flexibility increasingly important in attracting or retaining employees, it is also bringing positive impact on employees’ wellbeing. According to a study, 87 percent of professionals think that a flexible job would lower their stress level, 73 percent think that it increased their work satisfaction, individuals who work remotely once a month are 24 percent more likely to be happy and productive. 

If you realise you have become a ‘quiet quitter’, or on the verge of being one, why not take a step back to reflect on what work means to you? Speak to a career consultant and discuss how you can once again enjoy doing what you do and stay on top of your career.