Quiet Quitting: A Trend with Economic Implications
The so-called "quiet quitting" trend, where workers fulfill the bare minimum of their job duties while refusing to put in extra effort, might be affecting the economy, according to a Resolution Foundation report.
"Quiet quitting" gained popularity on social media after the pandemic, as workers expressed frustration with high demands, low pay, and a squeeze on living standards. The concept encourages employees to focus on work-life balance and "act their wage" by limiting their involvement beyond the essential tasks.
The report finds support for quiet quitting in its survey data. It reveals a significant drop in the percentage of adults willing to go above and beyond for their employer, from 69% in 2015 to 55% in 2025. Additionally, the number of individuals dissatisfied with their roles has reached a record low, with one in four not even fairly satisfied.
These findings suggest a broader shift in worker attitudes:
- There's a decrease in job satisfaction, with 63% of surveyed adults finding their jobs interesting, down from 74% a decade ago.
- Workers are increasingly focused on pay, reflecting the impact of flatlining living standards.
The report links this shift in worker commitment to slowed productivity growth. While productivity has historically been sluggish since the financial crisis, the pandemic appears to have exacerbated the trend.
"Workers today are indeed a little less committed to their employers... than workers were a decade ago," the report states. Sir John Curtice adds that while this doesn't necessarily mean younger workers are more "work-shy," employers need to offer jobs that are both financially rewarding and flexible to encourage full engagement.