Welcome to Next Gen Natural, a column where we share a Gen Z perspective on natural health and wellness. I’m Michelle—alive’s Digital Assistant and creator of the Healthy Num Num food blog. I love healthy living and want to inspire you to integrate wellness into all parts of your life, regardless of your age.
The quiet quitting trend has recently gained traction across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While some people believe quiet quitting is a new concept, others think it has been around for decades and employees are now speaking up about it. This explainer dives into how quiet quitting is affecting corporate culture and workplace wellness.
What is quiet quitting?
Also known as “soft quitting,” quiet quitting doesn’t mean quitting in the literal sense but refers to employees who do the minimum requirements needed to keep their job. It means not putting in extra unpaid time, enthusiasm, or effort outside of work hours and quitting the expectation to go above and beyond in one’s job.
What causes quiet quitting?
Stress
Frequent stress is one of the reasons why quiet quitting is resonating with so many people. When employees are under high amounts of stress, they may not be willing or able to put the same effort into their jobs each day.
Compensation
Due to inflation, many workers feel that they are not paid enough to keep up with the rising cost of housing and goods. Additionally, some are concerned about job security and the possibility of being laid off without much warning—even if they’ve been working at the company for years.
Workload
According to a 2022 survey, 46 percent of Gen Zs and 45 percent of millennials feel burned out due to the intensity/demands of their working environments. Also, a recent poll found that 50 percent of the US workforce is quiet quitting and that it is common among those who don’t enjoy working at their job.
How does quiet quitting impact mental health?
For some employees, quiet quitting may prompt them to advocate for better work-life balance and a healthier work environment. It’s also giving employees a chance to decide if the work they are doing aligns with their goals and passions. On the other hand, when workers put in less effort, it can harm their sense of self-worth.
If every workday leaves you feeling stressed, unmotivated, and negative, consider making a change. There are many proven ways to improve your health at work and show burnout who’s boss.
- Avoid gossip and negative thinking.
- Engage in positive self-talk.
- Make to-do lists and prioritize.
- Avoid procrastinating.
- Eat healthy foods and drink water.
- Reassess your work environment to pinpoint stressors.
- Know your limits—say no when workloads become unrealistic.
- Schedule “me” time—and stick to your schedule!
- Exercise regularly—use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Michelle von Hahn loves living a healthy lifestyle and will often be found cooking and baking recipes, which can be viewed on her Healthy Num Num blog and Instagram page (@healthynumnumblog).
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