Lifestyle

From passion to presence: The rise of quiet quitting

Marlene Minopetros|Published

The phenomenon of quiet quitting has gained traction in South Africa, with many employees opting to do the bare minimum at work due to feelings of being undervalued and overworked.

Image: File / Getty

Imagine showing up to work every day, doing the bare minimum, and silently screaming "that's not in my job description" in your head.

Welcome to the world of "quiet quitting," where employees are physically present but emotionally and mentally checked out.

According to experts, quiet quitting is a coping mechanism for employees who feel undervalued, overworked, or stuck in a toxic company culture. It's not about literally quitting your job, but rather about setting boundaries and doing only what's required.

Signs you're quiet quitting:

  • Feeling isolated from your team
  • Not volunteering for extra projects or responsibilities
  • Keeping quiet in meetings unless addressed directly
  • Feeling less productive than before
  • Cynicism about your impact at work or your company's values
  • Arriving late to work or leaving early

Reasons behind quiet quitting:

  • Feeling undervalued or underpaid
  • Lack of growth opportunities or challenges
  • Toxic company culture or poor management
  • Limited recognition for talents and work
  • Shortage of opportunities to grow

The good news is that quiet quitting can be a wake-up call to make meaningful changes. By identifying what's missing from your work life and taking action, you can reignite your sense of purpose and control over your career.

Take action:

  • Ask yourself: What is really missing from my work life? Is it purpose, growth, flexibility, or recognition?
    Speak to someone you trust, a mentor, or a friend to discuss your experience at work
  • Sit down with your manager to explore solutions and potential new opportunities
  • Explore jobs on online recruitment platforms or network with peers to find out what's out there for you
  • Refresh your CV and update your profile to start your job search

Don't settle for underpayment, lack of growth opportunities, or unfair treatment. Remember, you have the power to take the first step towards something better.