What’s this I hear about “quietly quitting?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past month or so, you’ve probably heard this phrase, ‘quietly quitting’ being thrown around in some large publications and on your social feeds. Depending on who you ask, you may get different ideas on what it means.

Some will say it’s doing the bare minimum to get by in your current job so you can free up some time to make a career move or it’s done as a self-preservation tactic from a toxic work environment or impending burnout.

Others say it’s doing the job you were hired to do and letting go of all the tasks you might take on in a given day/week/month that you aren’t getting compensated for or don’t further your career. A lot of women fall into this category. (Ever been asked to capture action items on behalf of the team in a standing meeting time and time again? Or lead an employee resource group?)

Either way, I understand and support both concepts, but I really hate the negative connotation the term ‘quietly quitting’ holds. I’m not surprised, however. Anything that isn’t operating at breakneck speed with unreasonable deliverables and deadlines just isn’t acceptable in the culture of technology companies. Over the decades overwork has been glorified by employees bragging about how much PTO time they’ve accrued but not used. Even millennials have coined the term “hustle” as in ‘side-hustle’ as a badge of honor when they post to social about all the ways they’re earning a living. It’s all about doing more and more and nothing less will do, hence the “quitting” if you aren’t strong enough to hang.

I’m here to say that there’s no shame in being deliberate about what you do and how much you take on, as long as it serves you and those you care about. And you certainly aren’t ‘quitting’ by NOT taking on tasks that shouldn’t be yours to begin with. Of course, we all want to excel in our work and lives, but our values and the bar is different for all of us. We need to be clear on our values, understand and familiarize ourselves with our own individual limits, and then create boundaries to protect ourselves from burnout or even the need to feel like we’re ‘quitting’.

Just like some people can get by with an average of 4-5 hours of sleep nightly, most of us need 7-8+ hours on a regular basis to operate fully. Some of us just aren’t wired to sit still and are always thinking about what’s next and have to be in creation mode, whereas others of us (myself included) need time to reflect, evaluate, and rest before taking on the next big thing. Heck, I knew one woman who would start a new company or non-profit every time she was on maternity leave. Not knocking it, but not for me (and I’m guessing most of us).

So what’s one to do if you find yourself checking out or feeling less engaged at work?

First, recognize that employee engagement isn’t static and will ebb and flow for individuals as well as across the organization with the evolution of the business. This is natural and should be expected. We are humans, after all. It’s possible that you may be in a natural ebb for a period of time and it likely serves an important purpose. Be curious about what that purpose is and don’t ignore it. It could be a physiological need your body has to rejuvenate or an emotional need a family member has that requires more of your time and energy focused on them versus your work.

Sometimes, it’s spurned by a specific work-related incident that has left you feeling deflated.

• Perhaps you were passed over for a promotion that you felt ready and qualified for.

• Or maybe you and your boss aren’t seeing eye to eye on your performance in your current role.

• Your work environment or work team is toxic and dragging you down.

• Your company’s and/or boss’ expectations of you not realistic or aligned with your ideal operating level. You feel like you’re giving it your all, but it just never seems to be enough.

• Perhaps there was a layoff and your team was decimated and you’re feeling “survivor guilt” while having to handle the same workload with less people.

All of these things are very legitimate reasons why you might take your foot off the gas pedal for a bit, especially for high achievers who are used to giving 120% for extended periods of time. Usually it’s short-lived until you determine how you’re going to respond to the challenge at hand. Let’s face it: most of us aren’t independently wealthy and need to work to support ourselves and our families, so we don’t have the option of just quitting when the ‘shit hits the fan’.

Instead of beating ourselves up for stepping back (and possibly slowing down, as a result) to assess our current situation and determining our next best course of action, let’s applaud ourselves for taking charge and exploring what we may need and/or possibilities that are better aligned to our current needs and values. The key is ultimately taking action or making a different choice, so as not to find yourself getting further disengaged and lingering in this state for too long. Not only will you feel better, but your colleagues will appreciate it as well.

If it’s a health challenge, personal issue or other difficulty at home, take the time you need to resolve it. Perhaps you need to take a few days off, maybe longer. Talk with your manager and/or HR to understand your options. Most employers will make accommodations for employees in good standing who may be going through a rough patch.

If it’s your job, your manager, or the company itself, determine what needs to change and take action. Maybe it’s looking internally or externally for a new job opportunity that’s a better fit for you while you continue to fulfill your current role. As an long-time HR leader, there’s nothing more painful than seeing an employee staying in a role or at a company that isn’t the right fit for too long.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the signs and hope that things will resolve themselves. It most likely won’t. You need to take action to get yourself into something that works for you. If you don’t, chances are your company will and you definitely want to be in the driver’s seat on this one.

If you are finding yourself stuck and struggling to get into action, let’s chat! I’m happy to offer you a complimentary Breakthrough Session to get you moving forward and/or find the additional support you may need.

What’s your take on “quietly quitting”? Comment below…I’d love to hear from you.