What “Quiet Quitting” Is All About

If you’ve scrolled through social media or skimmed recent workplace commentary, you’ve probably come across the phrase “quiet quitting.”

Despite the slightly dramatic name, it has nothing to do with actually resigning. Instead, it reflects a growing shift in how people view work, boundaries, and wellbeing.

So, what is quiet quitting?

Quiet quitting is essentially doing the job you’re paid to do—no more, no less. It means fulfilling your responsibilities without constantly stretching yourself beyond your role, staying late without pay, or taking on extra tasks simply because you feel obliged.

For many, it’s not an act of defiance but a way of reclaiming balance. It’s about drawing a line between work and personal life, rather than letting your job seep into every spare moment.

Many are seeking a balance between work and life.

Why has it become a trend?

The term gained traction after the pandemic, which caused millions of workers to reassess their priorities. Long hours, burnout, and shifting expectations pushed people to reconsider what “a good job” actually looks like.

In workplaces across Australia and the UK, employees began quietly stepping back from the unspoken rule that going above and beyond is the only way to show commitment. The sentiment is straightforward: if employers want extra effort, it should be recognised and fairly compensated.

It’s not laziness—it’s balance

Quiet quitting is often misunderstood as slacking off, but that’s not the heart of it. Most people who adopt this mindset are still reliable, capable, and professional. They simply choose not to sacrifice their personal time or mental health for workloads that never end.

It’s a response to cultures that reward overwork while offering little recognition in return. In many cases, people quiet-quit because they don’t feel valued or see little opportunity for growth.

What can employers learn from it?

Rather than treating quiet quitting as a problem, employers can see it as feedback. It highlights the need for:

• Clear expectations around roles and responsibilities

• Fair pay for extra work

• Healthy boundaries that support work–life balance

• Better communication between teams and managers

When workplaces listen and adapt, staff are far more likely to stay motivated, engaged, and genuinely connected to their work.

A more sustainable approach to work

Quiet quitting isn’t about doing the bare minimum; it’s about protecting energy for the things that matter outside office hours—family, hobbies, health, and rest. If anything, the rise of quiet quitting is a sign that people want a healthier, more sustainable relationship with work.

And perhaps that’s not such a bad thing.