Member-only story
Why ‘Quiet Quitting’ Is a Sign of a Healthy Work Culture
The term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media, painting a picture of disengaged employees doing the bare minimum at work. Headlines scream of a looming productivity crisis, a generation failing to meet expectations. But what if the narrative is wrong? What if, instead of a symptom of a failing workplace, quiet quitting is a *reflection* of a healthy work culture — albeit one that needs refinement?
The popular understanding of quiet quitting frames it as a deliberate act of defiance: employees refusing to go above and beyond, sticking strictly to their job descriptions. This, however, overlooks a crucial nuance. Many individuals labeled as “quiet quitters” aren’t actively rebelling; they’re simply setting boundaries and prioritizing their well-being. They’re responding to a work environment that previously demanded unsustainable levels of overtime, blurring the lines between personal and professional life.
Think about it: for years, hustle culture has been glorified. The ideal employee was portrayed as someone constantly “on,” readily sacrificing their personal time and energy for the sake of their job. This unsustainable model has led to widespread burnout, impacting productivity and overall mental health. “Quiet quitting,” in this context, can be seen as a pushback against this toxic ideology. Employees are…
