Is Quiet Quitting a Myth or Reality?

Published: Oct 27, 2022 12:53 PM | By Frank Burtnett | Viewed: 2050
Category: Columns, Expert Advice, Trends | Tags: Negotiation, Staffing

EMInfo Reader: I’ve heard the expression “quiet quitting” several times recently. What exactly does it mean and is it a myth or reality?

Dr. Burtnett: Originally, “quiet quitting” was coined to define the “work to the rule” concept where the employee stayed strictly within the minimum role and responsibilities of his/her employment. However, it should not be confused with mass “work to the rule” postures often taken by union member during contract negotiation periods.

The reasons for this can be traced to worker dissatisfaction with their employment to a desire to control “burnout” to a rebellion of some sort. Employees frustrated with growth and mobility prospects in their current position, but unable financially to resign and look for another position, also engage in the practice.

A Gallup poll taken earlier this year revealed quiet quitting can describe as many as half of the U. S. workforce. Gallup found it to be more prevalent among Gen Zers and Millennials who are seeking and not finding the employment engagement and life-work balance they desire. See https://www.gallup.com/workplace/398306/quiet-quitting-real.aspx

Labor market conditions often require tolerance of quiet quitting because replacing these workers, at times, has been difficult. Others, less tolerant, have taken action to terminate when evidence of “slacking off” becomes apparent.

Quiet quitters may also be appearing on the doorstep of staffing firms seeking the assistance of recruiters in their quest to find new employment, positions that are more satisfying and rewarding and allow for improved career growth and mobility. Keep an eye out for them!

Written by

Frank Burtnett

Dr. Frank Burtnett is the former President of Education Now, an independent consulting firm headquartered in Springfield, Virginia and Rockport, Maine. Since 1995, he has served as the principal consultant to NAPS on certification, accreditation, credentialing and educational matters. He was recently elected to the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the professional development of search and staffing industry consultants. Frank is a counselor, educator, consultant, and author whose career has been dedicated to educational and career development issues, as well as service to the profession through management roles in professional counseling organizations. Today, he serves as an adjunct professor on the counselor education faculty of Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. His most recent publication, Career Challenges, examines the things people “do wrong” and “don’t do” in their quest for career satisfaction, work life after COVID and life–work balance. Two earlier youth and young-adult oriented guidebooks concentrated on the school-to-college and education-to-work transitions. Frank earned a BS in education at Shippensburg University and an MA and an EdD in counseling at George Washington University. Frank Burtnett invites career questions to answer in his new Q&A on EMinfo. Submit to Frank at ednow@aol.com His book Career Challenges was published by the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. You can order his book: Career Challenges here > https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781475868081/Career-Challenges-Straight-Talk-about-Achieving-Success-in-the-Technology-Driven-Post-COVID-World-of-Work-3rd-Edition