Silent Quitting: When Employees Quietly Check Out

Recently, I was chatting with a friend about her job and how toxic the culture had become, and how some of her co-workers are “Silent quitting”. They were so unhappy and felt undervalued to the point that they're doing the absolute bare minimum to keep their jobs. Silent quitting?? I had never heard that term before and wanted to know more, which led me to this month's topic: "Silent Quitting: When Employees Quietly Check Out"

Have you ever noticed a colleague who's not putting in the effort anymore? They're doing just enough to get by and their attitude has gone from upbeat and motivated to "IDGAF". People are mentally checking out while they're still physically present.

The workplace is changing, and so are the ways employees show they're not happy. Traditional quitting involves handing in a resignation letter and serving a notice period, but now there's a new trend - "Silent Quitting”  In this article, we'll explore what silent quitting is, what causes it, the consequences, and what both employees and employers can do about it.

What is Silent Quitting?

Silent quitting is when employees start to pull back and disengage from their jobs and the workplace. Instead of loudly quitting or addressing their issues, they quietly check out. They might not be as productive, enthusiastic, or proactive as they used to be. This happens because they're frustrated, burnt out, or stuck in a job they don't like. They might still show up to work, but they're mentally out of the game.

Here are some reasons why silent quitting may be on the rise:

• Burnout: When work stress and heavy loads become too much, people might disengage as a way to cope.
• Lack of Opportunities: If employees feel like there's no chance for growth, they'll start quietly looking for better options.
• Toxic Workplaces: A bad workplace culture can make employees emotionally and mentally withdraw.
• Personal Issues: Sometimes, personal problems can make it hard for people to focus on work.
• Job Dissatisfaction: If the job doesn't align with their interests, skills, or values, they might start silent quitting.

Silent quitting can play a major toll on the workplace culture and negatively affect the business in general. For instance, productivity takes a hit as disengaged employees tend to get less work done. Attendance problems often arise, with more sick days and employees showing up but not contributing their best efforts. High turnover becomes a costly issue for companies as disengaged employees are more likely to leave their positions, which in turn causes frequent backfills, lower morale and a less positive overall atmosphere.

How can we address Silent Quitting?

Create a Supportive Environment: 3 out of 10 employees don't trust their HR department. A survey conducted by ARRIS Composites found that 34% of employees wouldn't approach their HR representative because of sheer mistrust. It is super important to encourage a workplace where people can talk openly between employees and management. Try to create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns, issues, and frustrations to ensure that employees know they can speak up without fear of reprisal.

Check Employee Engagement: Keep an eye on how engaged your employees are through regular one-on-one meetings with employees, surveys, and feedback. These meetings provide an opportunity for employees to express their concerns and for employers to offer support and guidance.

Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate employees for their contributions. A simple acknowledgment of a job well done can go a long way in boosting morale and engagement.

Tackle Problems Quickly: When issues come up, deal with them swiftly and follow through on any promises made, whether they're about workload, personal development, or workplace problems.

Balance Work and Life: Promote a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and disengagement.

Conclusion

Silent quitting is becoming more common in today's ever-changing workplace. It is important to notice the signs, acknowledge them and do something about it before the toxicity spreads like wildfire. Creating a culture where everyone talks openly, tackling issues as they come up, and making sure employees are doing okay are the keys to lessening the effects of silent quitting and having a more engaged and hardworking team. What are your thoughts on this subject? Have you noticed this trend? I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below!