What is Quiet Quitting and Why is it on the Rise?

There’s an emerging mindset in the ever-changing American workforce. Move over Great Resignation, “Quiet Quitting” is the latest workforce trend and phenomenon.  No, it’s not about resigning but rather about a worker’s personal decision to quit putting in too much effort at work. They are rejecting the notion of going above and beyond. Many are just putting in the bare minimum of time and effort.

Yes, it’s another byproduct of the pandemic. Staffing shortages and remote work have empowered employees to demand more from their employers especially when it comes to a work/life balance. Plus, some people were just plain burned out by their jobs. The long working hours didn’t yield anything except concerns about their mental health and well-being.

Early in the pandemic, we need to remember that many workers were pushed to their limits as they had to fill-in for millions of colleagues who were laid off due to shutdowns. Millions more decided to stay at home to care for relatives or to avoid contracting Covid. Now, as we are coming out the other side of the pandemic, workers are saying they’re exhausted.

In addition, for many remote workers, the lines between work and personal life got blurred. Due to technology, they felt connected 24/7. They’re now tired of responding to messages in the evening or on weekends.  For that reason, many are doing just enough to get by and want to establish clear boundaries.

How is Quiet Quitting Affecting Your Business?

• Change in Mentality of Workers. With a labor shortage and 10.7 million job openings, workers are thinking that they won’t be fired because a warm body is better than nobody at all.
• Decreased Employee Engagement. Right now, people don’t feel a strong connection to their organizations. This is especially true with remote workers. Nearly four out of five companies said they’re experiencing employee “engagement issues,” according to a March 2022 survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement firm.
• Decreased Productivity. With less workers engaged, the less productivity. About a third of the companies surveyed by Challenger said employee disengagement is causing a drop in productivity.

Can Quiet Quitting be Fixed?

• Employers Must Address Burnout. It’s time to set new rules. Employers need to address the situation and assign as well as prioritize tasks so as not to overwhelm team members. In addition, discuss work schedules. Be flexible.
• Employers Need to Reenergize Employees. Tell your staff about your plans for the organization and what role they will play. Share any new projects coming down the pike that they could be involved in. Reignite interest.
• Employers Should Plan Work Socials. Give your team something to look forward to. Plan a social event where they can connect and engage with their coworkers just like old times.

It’s in the best interest of every organization to address quiet quitting. Many of your workers want clear work-life boundaries in order to reduce stress and maintain their mental and physical health. It’s time to have that conversation with them and be open to suggestions.

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder & CEO of MedBest Recruiting. Since opening its doors in 2001, Julie has grown MedBest into an award winning, multimillion-dollar national firm, garnering impressive awards including INC 5000 2021 and Tampa Bay Fast 50 2021! Julie was also named as on honoree for the “Top 100 Women Leaders in Tampa 2022″ by Women We Admire.

MedBest has gained national recognition due to Julie’s industry expertise and high level of success. Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry.  She previously worked in operations for both Senior Housing and Senior Living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified executives in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie’s industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, Argentum Quarterly, LeadingAge Magazine, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Senior Living Association, Florida Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge Indiana, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Oregon, Virginia Assisted Living Association and Pennsylvania Health Care Association.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

Contact Julie Rupenski at jkrupenski@medbest.com / 727-526-1294.

ABOUT MEDBEST
MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry. For more than two decades, we have connected senior living organizations with exceptional senior living executive talent for both permanent and interim roles.

MedBest was named as one of American’s top companies by Inc.5000 plus we are a Tampa Fast 50 Company!