Gen Z is putting up boundaries in the workplace. While previous generations were OK with working long hours for low pay, Gen Z has had enough. They’re burning out and trying to make a change for themselves and for future generations. In a widespread effort, people across the US are pushing for more mental health support, better hours, and less of a hustle culture. And, not surprisingly, other generations are on board with the change.
Understanding Quiet Quitting
One of the trends that display this shift in thinking is quiet quitting. The term refers to employees who decide to only focus on their assigned tasks, and who stop taking on so much extra work. In a way, they become less invested in the workplace. Rather than agreeing to everything an employer asks of them, these employees set firm boundaries.
Today, quiet quitting is a common practice. But why is the trend catching on? To put it simply, Gen Z is tired of being overworked. According to one survey, 78% of Gen Z workers feel burned out and 72% of baby boomers share that feeling. Even Gen X and millennials are overworked, with over 60% of both demographics claiming to be burned out.
Along with burnout comes a lack of motivation. Employees don’t have any energy or incentive to complete as much work as they have in the past. So, they’re only doing what they absolutely have to do.
The Reasons for Quiet Quitting
There are a few reasons for this burnout. First, there are more responsibilities at home. The pandemic highlighted just how difficult it was to have kids and work a full-time job. And even years after the height of the pandemic, families still struggle with childcare.
Another cause of quiet quitting is a lack of recognition. When people do take on extra work, they don’t receive any acknowledgment from their superiors. It’s as if management expects their employees to go above and beyond, and this causes decreased motivation. People are doing tasks not in their job descriptions without receiving any accolades or rewards.
Finally, mental health is a major issue. Both Gen Xers and millennials feel that their mental health has been suffering. Although there are many reasons for this, one of the primary factors is the lack of free time. Employees often work long hours at the expense of having time with their friends and families.
Is Quiet Quitting Bad?
While you might think that quiet quitting sounds like a bad thing for employers, it’s not necessarily the case. Quiet quitting doesn’t involve breaking rules or ignoring your daily tasks. Rather, it involves setting boundaries and caring for yourself. Often, quiet quitting involves taking breaks during the workday.
In most cases, those breaks lead to more productivity. There’s a reason many workplaces now have rest areas and outdoor amenities; their workers perform better when they can take breaks. The other part of quiet quitting is to leave work on time whether or not the employee has finished their daily tasks. Once again, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for employers. By leaving on time, employees prevent burnout. They set healthy boundaries and are more likely to have long-term success in the workplace.
What Do Employers Think About This?
You may be wondering how employers actually feel about the decline of hustle culture. Despite the prevalence of quiet quitting, employees still feel as if they will face consequences for their actions. If someone wants a promotion, they work hard to take on extra work. They also may arrive early, work late, and work through lunch. Over 40% of workers from every working generation do tasks that don’t fall under their job descriptions.
With that said, every employer is different. Some employers aren’t happy with employees who refrain from taking on extra work, while others respect the decision. Ultimately, all companies could benefit from having employees who aren’t burning out. When employees burn out, they quit or experience lower productivity. A successful business needs healthy and happy employees.
During Covid, employers had no choice but to place extra responsibilities on top of their existing employees. In some industries, layoffs meant that there was a skeleton crew of workers trying to finish more work than was reasonable. And after the pandemic, many businesses were struggling to deal with a high demand for supplies or services. Employers are only just starting to realize how much they’re overworking their employees. However, it’s only a matter of time before they get the message.
Seeking Employment Elsewhere
Quiet quitting isn’t the only way that employees are saying goodbye to hustle culture. Recently, overworked employees have been looking for new work. In late 2021 and 20222, there were ample job vacancies and employees used that to their advantage. If they were unhappy with their work-life balance, they started looking for other jobs. The market was so favorable that some employees quit before having another job lined up.
In 2021, almost 48 million people quit their jobs. 2022 wasn’t much different, with almost 20% of employees quitting. The workers who remained with their employers were the ones who felt content and motivated. Additionally, a competitive salary kept employees with the same company.
Even now, employees are still quitting and looking for better opportunities. With more hybrid jobs available, there’s no shortage of flexible jobs. People who are unhappy with their late hours or rigid schedules are quitting and taking on positions as remote or hybrid employees. Those who prefer working in the office are turning to better employers. They’re focusing more on benefits, schedules, and overall satisfaction.
Are You Ready to Move On?
If you’re one of the many employees who doesn’t feel content with their job, it’s time to move forward. You can try quiet quitting first, assuming your employer doesn’t take issues with it. But another option is to explore your prospects. Take some time to think about what you want from an employer and then see what’s available. There could be a great job waiting for you.