Quiet Quitting: What It Is and How to Combat It

2.5 minute read

“Quiet quitting” is an emerging trend when employees only do what their job description entails without going above and beyond. It can often be the result of decreased motivation and burnout. According to Talkspace’s Employee Stress Check 2022 Report, 53% of workers reported they feel burned out. And research conducted by Gallup found that only 32% of employees are engaged, and 17% are actively disengaged.

To prevent employees from quiet quitting into actually quitting, employers need to recognize the signs. Employers should pay attention to employees who are consistently doing the following:

• Not being productive as they once were
• Displaying a lack of enthusiasm
• Not participating in meetings
• Contributing to team projects less
• Not attending optional meetings

To combat quiet quitting, employers can focus on effective employee communication and ways to enhance employee engagement.

• Provide a clear job description. Job descriptions should let employees know exactly what is expected of them. Employers should review them periodically to ensure that they accurately reflect the duties the employees are expected to perform.
• Conduct a performance review. Reviews are a way to reward employees for the positive things they have done and inspire them to continue to work hard. Without feedback and appreciation for hard work, employees can lack motivation and start to feel burned out and consider quitting.
• Educate employees on employee handbooks. The handbook is another tool where expectations can be clearly communicated to employees. But they are only truly effective if employees understand them. The handbook should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure expectations are up-to-date and that organizations are following current laws.
• Provide learning and development opportunities. High employee engagement is crucial to preventing quiet quitting. When these types of opportunities are offered, employees are more likely to remain engaged and stay motivated in their jobs.
• Focus on good management strategies. Effective management is essential to efficient, happy employees. Employers can provide resources to managers about successful strategies and meet with them to discuss possible improvements.

Employers should be aware of the quiet quitting trend and note that it may impact each workplace differently. They should also monitor for signs that employees may be disengaging and utilize different strategies to help prevent quiet quitting. Download the bulletin for more details.

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