quiet quitting

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/ˈkwaɪ.ət ˈkwɪt.ɪŋ/
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A workplace trend where employees limit their effort to the tasks required by their job description, avoiding extra responsibilities or overtime.

Examples

  • After months of burnout, she started quiet quitting by only doing her core tasks.
  • Management noticed a rise in quiet quitting and began a survey on employee engagement.
  • The article warned that quiet quitting could hurt long‑term career growth.
  • When asked about overtime, she replied that she was quiet quitting and would not stay late.
  • His boss praised his productivity, noting that he avoided quiet quitting by taking initiative.

Similar words

limited engagement
minimum effort
bare minimum
boundary setting
doing the minimum
job disengagement
work to rule
role compliance

Meanings

Usage

Use the phrase to describe the practice of doing only what is required at work, not to mean resigning or to label general laziness.

Common mistakes

Often confused with actually resigning, people use quiet quitting when they mean simply leaving a job.

Etymology

First recorded in 2022 on social media, the phrase combines quiet with quitting to describe minimal work effort.

FAQ

What does quiet quitting mean?

It describes employees who limit their work to the duties required by their job and avoid extra responsibilities.

Is quiet quitting the same as resigning?

No, it refers to staying in a job while doing only the minimum required work.

When did the term quiet quitting first appear?

The phrase was first recorded in 2022 on social media platforms.

Why do people engage in quiet quitting?

Common reasons include burnout, unclear expectations, and a desire for better work‑life balance.

How can managers address quiet quitting?

By clarifying role expectations, providing feedback, and fostering engagement.

Is quiet quitting considered lazy?

It is a response to workplace conditions, not simply laziness.

Can quiet quitting affect career growth?

Yes, consistently doing only the minimum may limit advancement opportunities.

Is quiet quitting a legal issue?

Generally it is not illegal, but it may impact performance reviews.

How does quiet quitting differ from work‑to‑rule?

Work‑to‑rule follows every rule strictly, while quiet quitting focuses on limiting effort to core duties.

What are signs of quiet quitting?

Reduced initiative, avoidance of extra tasks, and sticking strictly to job descriptions.

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