There have been many social media trends over the last few years. One of the most prominent – at least in a business sense – is the trend of #quietquitting.
This came to light on the social media platform, TikTok, which would see users posting their decision to “quiet quit” their job rather than actually quit in person. But what is this trend and should you be wary of it?
The Act Of Quiet Quitting
Quiet quitting is now a trend on TikTok and a variety of other social platforms and career sites. It does not actively mean quitting one’s employment – or making plans to quit quietly – but rather it is the discussion of mentally tuning out of the job.
This includes limiting job output and performing tasks that are only directly stated in the job description. No more going “above and beyond”. No more taking on duties that the role does not specify. Employees will only do the minimum of what is required and do enough to stay in the role without actually pushing themselves to attain results.
The reason this has become a trend is because of the influx of employee burnouts which has taken place over the last few years. Since 2020, as much as 75% of workers have experienced burnout, with 83% claiming that burnouts have a negative effect on both their business and personal life. Through quietly quitting their roles, employees are protecting themselves from doing too much and experiencing these burnouts, especially if they come with little reward or thanks from the employers.
Should You Be Wary?
If you are a business leader, then #quietquitting should be the only social media trend you care about. Employees who quiet quit will not only damage your company and its reputation, but they also throw light on crucial problems inherent within the business.
For starters, every business should be following an employee engagement programme. This will alleviate issues of employees feeling undervalued in the company, not only by influencing the engagement of your employees, but also identifying the key-points of concern and creating customised initiatives that will keep employees happy and productive.
As well as this, there are many basic rules that you can follow in order to assist employees and help them feel valued in-house.
- Rule Number One
Do not overstretch your employees. Many employees are using the hashtag #quietquit because they are being pushed too hard by employers, being made to go above and beyond with extra hours and extra tasks that end up putting a strain on them.
- Rule Number Two
Communicate with your employees. A lack of communication can make employees – especially remote employees – feel isolated and cut off from those in roles above them. If an employee feels cut off, then they will feel that they are undervalued, and therefore attempt to prove their value by stepping back and doing the bare minimum.
- Rule Number Three
Lead from the front. It is important for any business leader to demonstrate the values and goals of the company by actively demonstrating what you expect your employees to achieve. It is no good delivering orders without delivering results yourself. Lead from the front and show that you are a team player.
- Rule Number Four
House open-table sessions for feedback. If an employee feels like they have an outlet to express their concerns and troubles within the business itself, then they won’t find an outlet in social media. The reason these employees turn to social media is because they can get attention, likes and comments – something that they don’t receive in the office. If you house open-table sessions, the employees will be able to get their concerns off their chest and feel listened to.
- Rule Number Five
Make changes. It is no good identifying the problems – whether it’s through communication or engagement programs – if you are not going to do anything about them. Make sure that you put your words into action and make the necessary changes for your employees to thrive and have a good and positive work life.
