The phrase “quiet quitting” seems to be everywhere lately, and it’s definitely stirred up some opinions. On one side, people see it as a sign of a lazy, disengaged worker just coasting through their job. On the other hand, there’s a growing belief that quiet quitting is simply a way for people to protect their mental health in the face of an exhausting, often demanding work culture. So, what’s the deal? Is quiet quitting a survival strategy for dealing with poor mental health, or is it just a cop-out, where people check out without fully committing to their work?
According to recent Gallup poll data, about 59% of people aren’t engaged at work, and Gen Z and younger millennials—people under the age of 35— make up a big part of that number. But are younger people being scapegoated, or are there some pretty valid reasons that this is happening? That’s a complicated question that has no simple answer.
What is “quiet quitting,” anyway?
Okay, so first things first: “quiet quitting” isn’t about actually quitting your job. It’s about doing the bare minimum at work—nothing more, nothing less. It’s not slacking off or being lazy, it’s just refusing to go above and beyond when the job doesn’t deserve it. No late nights, no picking up extra work, no doing someone else’s job without being compensated for it. Essentially, it’s an act of disengagement, but in a way that’s less about throwing in the towel and more about taking back control of your time and energy.
For many people, quiet quitting is a response to toxic work environments. It’s not about laziness, but more about creating space for self-care when work demands are too high. It’s a reaction to the expectation that we should always be “on” or going the extra mile for jobs that, frankly, don’t always appreciate the effort.
Why is this happening so much?
Work culture these days can be brutal. We’ve been told for years that hustling is the key to success, that working long hours and constantly doing more than expected will get us ahead. But for a lot of people, that’s led to burnout, exhaustion, and mental health struggles. In fact, a lot of us have realised that we’re overworked, underappreciated, and simply stretched too thin. We’re doing more work, but we’re definitely not seeing any more money for it, and with the cost of living going up on a daily basis, that’s a problem.
So, when you feel like you’re giving everything to your job, and it’s still never enough, quiet quitting can feel like the only way to take a step back. It’s a survival tactic. Instead of diving deeper into work that drains you, quiet quitting is about conserving your energy for the things that truly matter in your life. It’s not about leaving your job—it’s about creating boundaries that protect your mental health.
Is it a cop-out for being lazy?
On the other hand, some critics argue that quiet quitting is just a way to avoid responsibility. “If you’re not putting in extra effort, you’re not doing your job,” they say. And there’s some truth to that—workplaces rely on employees who are willing to take on more, stay late, and go the extra mile. That’s how promotions happen, that’s how you get noticed, at least in theory. (In reality, it’s more likely that someone’s dad pulled some strings or someone sucked up to the right people.)
But here’s the thing: quiet quitting isn’t about not doing your job. It’s about doing your job within the boundaries of what’s required. It’s a response to the pressure of being constantly expected to give more. It’s a refusal to burn yourself out for the sake of a company that doesn’t value you. Is it really a cop-out when you’re just protecting your energy? Maybe it’s more of a self-preservation strategy.
People are desperate for a better work-life balance.
The whole point of quiet quitting is about balance—recognising that you can work hard without completely giving yourself away. If your job isn’t offering fair compensation, recognition, or support, why should you go above and beyond for it? Quiet quitting is not the same as checking out emotionally from the work you do. It’s about making the conscious choice to put your mental health first, even when the world around you is pushing you to keep grinding.
People who engage in quiet quitting are often still dedicated to their work, but they’re no longer willing to sacrifice their well-being just to meet someone else’s standards of “success.” They’re not “coasting”—they’re prioritising their own happiness and mental health over the hustle culture that’s been ingrained in us.
Why do so many people take this route?
There’s a reason why quiet quitting is trending, and it’s not just about laziness. A lot of people are simply tired—tired of being overworked, tired of putting in more than they’re given, and tired of feeling burnt out. And in an era where many employees feel like they have no control over their jobs, quiet quitting has become a way to regain some of that control.
Think about it: In many workplaces, the idea of overperforming is built into the culture. You’re expected to say yes to everything, go above and beyond, and sacrifice your personal time for the sake of productivity. This expectation can take a serious toll on mental health, leading to exhaustion, stress, and, in some cases, even depression. When someone decides to pull back, it’s often because they’ve recognised that their mental health is more important than the pursuit of unrealistic work expectations.
So, where do we go from here?
The rise of quiet quitting points to a larger issue within the workplace—one that needs to be addressed by both employees and employers. It’s not about avoiding responsibility, but rather about acknowledging the need for balance and respect in the workplace. If you’re feeling burnt out, there are ways to address this without checking out completely. Open conversations with management about workload, expectations, and boundaries are essential to creating a healthier work culture.
For employees, quiet quitting can be a temporary strategy for coping with poor mental health. But it can also be a wake-up call to organisations: people need to feel valued, supported, and recognised for their work. Employees who are mentally healthy, well-rested, and motivated are more likely to be engaged and productive. A workplace that doesn’t demand every ounce of energy from its employees is a place where people can thrive, not just survive.
Something needs to change.
Quiet quitting isn’t a cop-out—it’s a sign that the old way of doing things just isn’t going to cut it anymore. If workplaces continue to push their employees to the brink without offering adequate support or recognition, it’s no wonder people are pulling back. For employees, it’s about finding a balance between giving enough to succeed and protecting your mental health. For employers, it’s about realising that your team is your most valuable asset, and they can’t give their best if they’re constantly burned out. So, if you’re quietly quitting, know that it’s okay to take a step back. It’s a survival strategy, not a failure.
