How to proactively address "quiet quitting"

The term “quiet quitting” has hit headlines in a major way. Not only has the hashtag #quietquitting been trending on TikTok, but major media outlets have also joined the conversation, expanding the discussion across mainstream media.

Quiet quitting is the concept where employees quit going above and beyond and only do what is required of them through their job descriptions. This comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and during a time when employees are re-evaluating what work could look like.

While some workplaces grapple with how to manage this trend, there are some things employers can proactively do to help with employee engagement and satisfaction. We have collected a list of topics and supports to assist employers.

Redefining the “new normal”

We’ve seen many changes in the workplace over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the very least, how employers have navigated it by accommodating their employees and tasks shows both tenacity and resilience. With many returning to in-office work, many employers are continuing to embrace the changes and accommodations made during the pandemic to help retain employees and navigate their workplaces into the “new normal.”

Changes include:

Hybrid and/or remote work models
Relaxed dress codes
Dual duty parenting
Employee inclusivity and promotions

Learn more by reading our blog entitled Workplace Changes After COVID-19

Reducing dissatisfaction by improving workplace culture

Your workplace culture affects everyone within it, as well as everyone who interacts with it. This makes having a good, healthy, and non-toxic culture so important.

Studies show that organizations that have a poor workplace culture have big problems. High employee turnover and low employee engagement with high rates of absenteeism (and presenteeism) are the top consequences. When you have all of these issues, your team’s productivity will be very low.

There are steps you can take to improve your workplace culture.

Learn more by reading our blog entitled Improving Workplace Culture

Reviewing complementation frameworks

Sometimes employees will quietly quit when they don’t feel they are paid enough for the work they are doing. One way employers can address this is through Compensation Frameworks.

Compensation frameworks are pay-based structures that organizations use to set fair and equitable pay guidelines for all employees. This is a helpful tool that businesses can use to work through conversations around wages.

Focusing on equity of pay between co-workers, adding options for paid time off, and understanding that employees may need mental health supports can certainly assist in retaining the employees you have.

Learn more by reading our blog entitled How compensation frameworks help employers navigate wage demands

Empowering employees to share their concerns

In some cases, “quiet quitting” is synonymous with employees setting boundaries at work. But instead of letting action speak for itself, employers can encourage their employees to communicate their concerns.

Effective communication starts with hearing what someone means when they speak. Creating a space where employees feel their perspectives are heard and valued is a great step employers can take towards creating an environment where employees are empowered to express themselves.

Listening helps to build good relationships, ensure understanding, helps to resolve conflicts, and helps to avoid misunderstandings at home and at work.

Effective listening skills take time and effort, and there are things you can do to improve these skills. These include:

Look for common ground
Respond and acknowledge
Make notes
Resist distractions
Avoid reacting to hot buttons
Keep an open mind
Analyze non-verbals
Listen from the right attitude

Learn more by reading our blog entitled Listen Up!

Additional support

We hope these tools can help employers navigate through the “quiet quitting” trend. While creating environments where employees feel valued and engaged takes time and effort, it is worth the investment and could help address concerns that lead to “quiet quitting.”

If you need some assistance with any of the topics discussed in this blog, contact us today! We have dedicated team and the tools needed to help you navigate emerging trends and difficult scenarios in the workplace.

Whether you’re an organization that does not have in-house Human Resource personnel or you just need additional expertise regarding specific matters, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.