Australian employees have found a new way to ‘quit’ their jobs to avoid burnout – and bosses are very unhappy about it.
Thousands on TikTok have admitted to ‘quiet quitting’ – which involves rejecting the ever going ‘above and beyond’ at work while still getting paid the same.
Melbourne career expert Sue Ellson told FEMAIL the notion could backfire if the change in behaviour is noticed by others, particularly managers.
Thousands on TikTok have admitted to ‘quiet quitting’ – which involves rejecting the idea that workers need to go ‘above and beyond’ at work (stock image)
One TikToker, who goes by the username @zkchillin (pictured, left), shared a now-viral video explaining the concept. Those who have embraced the concept claim they have been feeling less stressed and have the same recognition
One TikToker, who goes by the username @zkchillin, shared a now-viral video explaining the concept.
‘I recently learnt about this term called “quiet quitting” where you’re not outright quitting your job but you’re quitting the idea of going above and beyond at work,’ he said.
‘You’re still performing your duties but you’re no longer subscribing to the hustle culture and mentality that work has to be your life.
‘The reality is it’s not and your worth as a person is not defined by your productive output.’
The clip has since been viewed more than 2.7million times and in another video he added how other terms used include ‘boundary settings’, ‘meeting expectations’, ‘work-to-rule’ and ‘lying flat’.
The comments of the video were quickly flooded by other workers from all around the world who admitted they have tried the concept and will continue to do the bare minimum.
‘I quiet quit six months ago and guess what, same pay. Same recognition, same everything but less stress,’ one person wrote.
‘Then when you do it you realise nothing at work matters and suddenly all the stress vanishes,’ another added.
A third wrote: ‘Even when I do this I’m still outperforming 90 per cent of my co-workers.’
Another person said they do ‘just enough not to get fired or noticed’.
The TikToker who posted the video added: ‘This works best if you can tolerate your job – if you’re miserable, get outta there! Your peace of mind comes first.’
Another person pointed out: ‘It’s called “meeting expectations”, if you’re doing more then this you are losing time and money.’
One TikToker said they changed their work motto to ‘strive to be mediocre’.
Tther terms used include ‘boundary settings’, ‘meeting expectations’, ‘work-to-rule’ and ‘lying flat’ (stock image)
Career Development Practitioner Sue Ellson (pictured) told FEMAIL it’s important to be discreet with your employer if your change in behaviour is noticed
Author and Career Development Practitioner Sue Ellson, from Melbourne, told FEMAIL it’s important to be discreet with your employer if your change in behaviour is noticed.
Ms Ellson said while the concept of quiet quitting isn’t new, technology and working from home has been able to track what is done each day.
‘Quiet quitting is a prompt to increase your personal productivity across your entire day, then I can move on to my other priorities,’ she said.
‘However, if you are perceived as ‘slacking off’ after previously over-extending yourself, communication is key.
‘You may need to explain why your behaviour has changed and be ready to do so. Reacting in frustration and saying that you are tired of doing more work than everyone else in the heat of the moment is not the answer.’
Ms Ellson encouraged workers to be prepared and indicate your priorities.
‘At the end of the day, the relationship between employee and employer needs to be one of mutual respect, empathy and commitment,’ she said.
‘The implied “rule” of quiet quitting is that you still get the job done. Don’t ever lose sight of the value exchange.’
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