In today’s workplace, quiet quitting and quiet hiring are becoming increasingly common. These trends highlight a larger issue: broken trust between employers and employees, leading to disengagement. Here’s what these trends mean for your company’s culture and how you can address them.
What is Quiet Quitting?
Quiet quitting is when employees do the bare minimum required for their job but stop going above and beyond. They’re still there but have mentally and emotionally checked out due to feeling undervalued or overworked.
Example: An employee who once took on new projects now only completes their basic tasks, showing no initiative beyond what’s required.
What is Quiet Hiring?
Quiet hiring is when companies ask employees to take on extra responsibilities without offering promotions, title changes, or pay increases. While it may seem cost-effective, it often leads to frustration and burnout.
Example: An employee covers a colleague’s duties without any acknowledgment or compensation, leading to resentment.
The Connection: Broken Trust
Both quiet quitting and quiet hiring stem from broken trust. When employees feel unappreciated or exploited, they disengage. Lack of recognition, unclear expectations, and poor communication are the key drivers behind these trends, which can harm productivity and morale.
Impact on Company Culture
- Decreased productivity: Disengaged employees don’t go the extra mile, leading to lower performance.
- Lower morale: Feeling undervalued or overburdened can create a toxic work environment.
- Higher turnover: Disengaged employees are more likely to leave, leading to high turnover.
How to Address Quiet Quitting and Quiet Hiring
- Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns and feedback.
- Set Clear Expectations: Ensure employees know what’s expected and provide the support they need to succeed.
- Recognize and Reward Efforts: Acknowledge hard work and offer rewards for going above and beyond.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Be mindful of workloads and prevent burnout by respecting employees’ personal lives.
- Foster a Positive, Inclusive Culture: Create a workplace where employees feel connected to the company’s mission and values.
Conclusion
Quiet quitting and quiet hiring are signs of a disengaged workforce. By addressing the underlying issues—like broken trust and lack of recognition you can rebuild employee engagement and strengthen your company culture. A supportive, communicative environment leads to happier, more productive employees and lower turnover.
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