It has become a talking point since the last year and a half and it refers to the fact that people now spend and spend time focusing on their work/life balance instead of spending most of their time at work. ” “It” is called Quiet Quit. The recently discovered term is considered a trend that has seen the vast majority of employees in the workforce participate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a recent public meeting, the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Council addressed this specific issue, encouraging more open discussion of the topic among employers at the local, state and national levels, as this trend is likely to continue.
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Charts listed in Jim Harter’s article; Is Quiet Quitting Really Really? Gallup, showing trends in employee engagement and engagement in the U.S. Actively disengaged, the number of employees indicating disengagement peaked at 18%, compared to only 32% of the actively engaged group (Harter, 2022).
Statistically, according to a poll by Axios and Generation Labs (Bienasz, 2022), research shows that Gen Z and Millennials (ages 35 and under) are the most likely to engage in this action, as this generation prioritizes Consider their mental health and personal well-being in a work environment that may exceed the expectations of their original work contract/or agreement.
Tyler Keeney, manager of the Pueblo Athletic Center in Pueblo, Colorado, expressed his concerns about the movement because it drastically reduces the number of staff members who can schedule time. Gini said,
“Workers don’t realize the whole system is a domino effect. If one worker chooses to step back, others follow and the work still has to be done, which means it’s all left to those who pick up the slack, unfortunately Yes, more work for one can be overwhelming, which ultimately means less quality.”
Likewise, Haley Alexander, aquatics manager at a local gym in central Phoenix, Arizona, has the same fear. Alexander said,
“As a member of Gen Z, I totally understand prioritizing and finding balance, but I think there’s a disconnect between that and a lack of respect or professionalism. I’ve had employees who just don’t show up, or work on their terms, not even up to them Minimum job standards listed in the description when hired. Must have a happy medium…if they work with me, I’d love to work with them.”
But if perspectives vary by position, others don’t view Quiet Exit negatively.
Michelle Ellis of Omaha, Nebraska, used to hold two jobs but was recently demoted to one, which she believes has allowed her to find a positive balance between work and family life , and lowered her stress level. Ellis said,
“I have more freedom to focus on my personal happiness, as well as my happier professional self, which I don’t think is detrimental, it has improved my quality of life.”
Samuel Wolo of the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Council said that by all accounts, “This is a controversial topic today, depending on the culture of the company environment. So it’s great to be able to discuss and share these data points.”
The conversation has only just begun, but bridging the gap between employees and managers will create a better environment and provide answers to the frustrations they share.