Written by: Andrea Hunt, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“Quiet quitting” has become a buzzword in the last few years in reference to the phenomenon where employees emotionally disengage from their work and organization, often without formally resigning. Unlike more overt forms of quitting, quiet quitting is characterized by employees who still physically remain present but stop putting in effort and enthusiasm into their job. In fact, according to Gallup Polls, a shocking 59% of workers worldwide fall into this category in 2023 and this low engagement costs the global economy $8.8 trillion dollars, or 9% of global GDP.
As a coach and EFT practitioner who’s been coaching clients over the last several years, here’s why I think better overall communication, encouraged assertiveness, emotional health, and personal growth could be the solutions…
What’s behind the quiet quitting trend?
I don’t need to tell you that it’s been a rough few years for people. There was, of course, the COVID-19 Pandemic, lockdown, job loss, working from home, being forced back to the office, homeschooling, and now inflation and stagnant wages. Yes, people are still holding onto their jobs… but with far less enthusiasm. Whereas before the corporate request a few years ago was to ‘thrive in a fast-paced environment’ and ‘go above and beyond expectations,’ that’s not exactly where we are today…
The impact of the Great Resignation made many people re-evaluate their options. Many started side passion projects or side hustles to put some spark back into their professional lives. And yet, uncertain job markets and economic instability have created a more cautious mindset among employees. Fear of layoffs and a desire for stable employment is driving people to hold onto their positions, even if they are dissatisfied.
The result? A withdrawal of enthusiasm and motivation and “Quiet Quitting.”
Why do people “quiet quit”?
In 2023, “Quiet Quitting” looks like employees who stick to their job description and nothing beyond that. On a positive note, many people have started to set clear boundaries between work and personal life, prioritize work-life balance, and avoid taking on additional responsibilities.
This is of course important for mental and emotional health, one area that has loudly surfaced as needing attention in the last few years as many companies burnt out their employees. On the other hand, feeling underappreciated and without a clear path to professional growth leads to a lack of initiative, creativity, and commitment to the organization.
Furthermore, it’s important to take into account that generational changes also play a role in quiet quitting. The dynamics of the workforce have shifted with the emergence of Gen Z, who prioritize work-life balance and personal growth where other generations haven’t.
These younger employees value transparency, clear communication, and opportunities for development. However, when these expectations are not met, they may disengage silently and without confrontation.
Possible solutions to quiet quitting
To tackle the current trend, companies and organizations need to create a healthy work environment to improve communication, encourage assertiveness, promote emotional health, and foster personal growth.
Effective communication creates a supportive environment where employees can express their concerns and needs.
Assertiveness empowers employees to voice their opinions, set boundaries, and take on new challenges.
Emotional health in terms of work-life balance helps employees manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, as well as professional and personal responsibilities
Personal growth opportunities, such as training and career advancement, can help re-engage disengaged employees and provide them with a sense of purpose and motivation.
Building supportive work environments through communication
To better understand the employee’s needs, it’s important to create an environment where open communication and assertiveness are encouraged. Frequent and clear communication is crucial in fostering positive connections with colleagues and teammates. When people feel comfortable sharing their concerns and needs, it allows for better understanding and minimizes the chances of misunderstandings.
Another important factor that leads to quiet quitting is a mismatch of different communication styles. While Boomers and Gen X might prefer phone calls, Millennials and Gen Z don’t. Gen Z may experience an emotional disconnect in virtual meetings or when their preferred communication method of instant messaging or video calls is not commonplace.
To address this communication gap, organizations need to consider the changing expectations and needs of the workforce that provide opportunities for open and supportive communication.
Companies can also encourage active listening. When we actively listen to our colleagues, we show them that we value their input and perspectives. This creates a sense of trust and respect, which in turn strengthens the relationship.
It’s also important to encourage assertive communication, which allows us to express our thoughts and needs clearly, while also considering the feelings and opinions of others. This approach helps to establish boundaries and mutual expectations, fostering healthy team relationships.
Lastly, open and honest communication is also important in team building. By promoting a culture of transparency and trust, we can feel more comfortable sharing ideas and concerns with our colleagues. This facilitates collaboration and more productive, successful outcomes.
Encouraging personal growth and development
To thrive as a team and feel motivated, it’s important to have space for personal growth. In fact, businesses that care about the personal development of employees have better performance and profitability than those that don’t. When we can actively engage in a process of self-improvement to acquire more knowledge, develop new skills, and expand our perspectives, we thrive individually and as a company.
This continuous growth allows us to adapt to new challenges, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities for advancement. Not only that but it also enables us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values, which gives us more self-confidence and a sense of purpose.
Developing self-awareness and improving self-confidence
Developing self-awareness and improving self-confidence are crucial steps towards better communication. When individuals are self-aware, they have a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles. This awareness allows them to adapt their approach and effectively convey their messages.
Self-confidence plays a vital role in communication because it provides individuals with the assurance needed to express themselves clearly. When someone is confident, they have a clear vision of the purpose of their communication. Whether it's delivering a presentation, having a difficult conversation, or participating in a team meeting, self-confident individuals are able to articulate their thoughts and ideas in a concise and coherent manner.
Furthermore, self-efficacy, which refers to a person's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish certain tasks, is a critical aspect of achieving communication goals. With self-efficacy, individuals are more likely to set ambitious targets, actively engage in conversations, and reach a common understanding with others. It also helps them understand the objectives and mission of the organization, aligning their communication efforts towards achieving those goals.
How transformational coaching and EFT tapping help employees with personal growth
Of course, personal growth is extremely effective and can be done as a self-help technique through courses, books, and webinars. However, the quickest way is a personalized strategy using coaching and EFT Tapping to help employees quickly identify their goals, develop effective strategies for achieving them, and build on their strengths. Through one-on-one sessions with a certified coach, employees can gain insight into their behavior patterns and attitudes so they can make meaningful changes in their lives.
EFT Tapping is a mind-body technique we do with a certified practitioner so that we can tap into and release the emotional blocks that keep us feeling stuck, uninspired, and maybe even self-sabotaging. By tapping on specific meridian points and focusing on an emotional issue, we can reach our true potential.
Conclusion
In summary, today Quiet Quitting is a silent resignation popping up in offices everywhere, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right creative environment that encourages open communication, assertiveness, emotional health, and personal growth, companies can provide a space to transform. Transformational coaching and EFT Tapping are powerful tools that can fully support employees and encourage meaningful change.
Want to work with me? Schedule a free discovery call here.
Andrea Hunt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Andrea Hunt is an online transformational life coach & EFT Practitioner for expats and digital nomads. A US expat who's lived in 7 different countries, Andrea helps those who boldly took the road less traveled to thrive abroad with confidence. She understands the challenges of planning a move abroad, integrating into a new culture, finding new friends and social circles, rebuilding life after a job loss or breakup while living in another country. She helps you empower your mindset and erase your limiting beliefs to thrive.
