How to prevent quiet quitting

During the last year, a new expression has impacted the corporate world: Quiet Quitting. The term, which caught popularity due to a video posted by @zaidleppelin on TikTok, refers to the practice of doing a required minimum instead of going above and beyond for a job. In the video, he explains the term as ‘'Quitting the idea of going above and beyond for your job''. Employees still ‘'[perform their] duties, but [they] are no longer subscribing to the hustle culture''. He questions the importance we place on work in terms of a fulfilling life, pointing out that work and productivity do not define a person's worth.
With growing criticism of capitalism within young generations (like movements of young adults already planning their retirement at the very beginning of their careers), questioning the daily grind definitely hits a nerve.

The causes for disengagement

With a global situation that leaves an uncertain outlook on the future, a stagnation in productivity due to the recent pandemic and the war in Ukraine, companies are in dire need of highly motivated professionals to get back on track. But the recent developments simultaneously had a deep impact on how we work to the point that they made us re-evaluate our priorities.
And while the new way of working offering remote work and flexible schedules has indisputable benefits in terms of employee satisfaction, it can also make it more challenging to connect with colleagues, thus leaving employees feeling isolated and unmotivated.

Know your employees

To prevent this, it is crucial for businesses to understand why employees disengage. The reasons are often strongly rooted in a company's culture and its values. Factors such as management style, social climate and Corporate Social Responsibility actions are key aspects that determine employee engagement.
The following measures help create a positive workplace culture and keep employees motivated:

• Foster open communication: Encourage employees to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas with management. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help address any potential issues before they lead to Quiet Quitting.
• Offer growth opportunities: Employees may disengage if they don't see a clear path for advancement in their current role. Offer professional development programs, internal training, and opportunities for career growth to keep employees engaged and motivated.
• Address company culture: If employees are unhappy with the company culture, address these concerns in a timely manner and work to create a positive work environment.
• Offer competitive compensation: Ensure that your employees are being fairly compensated for their work. Offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits to keep employees satisfied and less likely to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
• Provide recognition and appreciation: Regularly recognize and appreciate employees for their hard work and contributions. This can go a long way in keeping employees motivated and engaged.

Remember, the foundation for the success of each business is a positive work environment that values and supports its employees. By focusing on employee satisfaction and engagement, you can reduce the likelihood of Quiet Quitting and retain top talent in your organization.
For more insights on how to tackle HR challenges in 2023, check out our HR Strategy Report where we summarized the key learnings of HR experts.