There's a prevalent misunderstanding surrounding the term "quietly quitting" in the workplace. Contrary to popular belief, quietly quitting doesn't always mean physically leaving your job. Instead, it encompasses a spectrum of subjective interpretations, allowing individuals to navigate their professional journey while maintaining their well-being. For many working women, this concept serves as a beacon of empowerment, enabling them to prioritise their mental and physical health without sacrificing their careers.
Rather than viewing quietly quitting as a negative phenomenon, let's redefine it as a proactive approach to self-care and personal fulfillment within the workplace. As employees, we have the agency to set boundaries, prioritise tasks, and safeguard our well-being while continuing to excel in our roles. Whether it's delegating tasks, saying no to additional responsibilities, or simply taking a step back to recharge, quietly quitting empowers women to reclaim control over their professional lives.
Who is quietly quitting?
Michael Timmes, a senior specialist at Insperity, highlights that quietly quitting isn't exclusive to a particular generation but resonates across all age groups. It's a response to burnout, a phenomenon exacerbated by the challenges of the modern workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has brought this issue to the forefront, blurring the lines between work and personal life and amplifying stressors for many working women.
The driving force
Recognising the detrimental effects of burnout, it's imperative for both employees and employers to address the underlying causes. Tshepiso Rasetlola, an Associate in employment law, emphasises the importance of fostering a supportive work culture that values employee well-being. Employers must be attuned to the signs of burnout and actively work towards creating a conducive environment that promotes work-life balance and mental wellness.
“Being seen as someone who is disconnected from their responsibilities, work culture, or teammates does not leave a good impression, but employers must also be aware of the signs of bad management, which could easily be the cause of an employee shutting down, as one possible reason could be that employees are not managed efficiently, leaving them feeling overworked and stressed, or underworked and bored.” - Tshepiso Rasetlola Associate in employment law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.
The connection
At its core, quietly quitting isn't about abandoning responsibilities but rather about self-preservation. Ayala Pines and Elliot Aronson define burnout as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion—a reality that many working women grapple with. By acknowledging the connection between burnout and quietly quitting, we can take proactive steps to prevent its onset.
Quietly quitting and the law
“There’s no law that says that you can be dismissed if you quietly quit; however, you still need to maintain a certain standard of performance,” says - Tshepiso Rasetlola Associate in employment law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. An employee is required to perform in line with their contract of employment. Not following reasonable instructions, for instance, could give the employer grounds for dismissal. Company policies and procedures may give the employer some form of recourse in dealing with an employee who quietly quits. “Being seen as someone who is disconnected from their responsibilities, work culture, or teammates does not leave a good impression, but employers must also be aware of the signs of bad management, which could easily be the cause of an employee shutting down, as one possible reason could be that employees are not managed efficiently, leaving them feeling overworked and stressed, or underworked and bored.”
“What used to be a passive-aggressive challenge of work-life balance is now becoming a very direct request. It’s not a request anymore. It’s a demand”. - Jaya Dass
Jaya Dass rightly points out that what was once considered a passive struggle for work-life balance has evolved into a direct demand for change. Working women are reclaiming their voices and advocating for their well-being, transforming quietly quitting into a catalyst for positive change within the workplace.
How to prevent burnout
To prevent burnout and embrace empowerment, it's essential to prioritise self-care. Setting clear boundaries, engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and fostering a healthy work-life balance are just a few strategies to safeguard our well-being. By prioritising ourselves, we not only enhance our productivity and job satisfaction but also inspire positive change within our workplaces. Below is a list of ways you could prevent burnout:
- Take control by setting clear boundaries with your employer or manager
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Practise mindfulness
- Do more things that bring you joy outside of work
- Get a good night's rest.
- Learn to manage your stress daily
Read our article on nurturing your mental health as a working woman.
At RecruitMyMom we respect a woman’s need for work-life integration. This need is acknowledged, and we support women in the workplace to avoid quietly quitting by placing our candidates in suitable permanent and flexible working positions with clients who understand this requirement. If you are looking for meaningful employment with a company that understands your needs then visit our jobs page to view our latest positions available.
