What is Quiet Quitting?
Since the term “quiet quitting” went viral, it has been a big topic for employers and media to digest. Some describe quiet quitting as being mentally checked out at work and doing as little as possible to get a paycheck. Others say it is when an employee is still performing all their expected duties, but they have detached from their roles.
A recent survey from Gallup about quiet quitting suggests that quiet quitters make up at least half of the U.S. workforce. Gallup’s data doesn’t show a significant change in how workers feel about their jobs over the last few years. So, while the term is new and catchy for many of us, the concept might not be. This group of employees are simply “not engaged.”
During the pandemic, many people concluded that they want more from their quality of life and have set personal guardrails for the amount of work-related stress they are willing to allow into their life.
So, what can you do as a leader when you see that your employees are quietly quitting? The answer is simple; you re-ignite their passion for what they do.
Passion is a driving force. Like gravity, it pulls people in a particular direction. When employees work in a lane that they are passionate about and are using their natural gifts, they are more likely to be drawn to and enjoy their work.
How to re-engage your employees
Here are a few tips to help you re-engage your employees if you notice “quiet quitting.”
- Seek to understand your employees’ answers to these questions.
- What do you enjoy most/like least about what you do?
- What tools and support do you need to thrive in your role?
- Would you recommend our company to a friend?
- What can I do better to support you?
- Act quickly on the feedback you receive and ensure they have the tools and support they need to do their job.
- Find fun ways to reward employees for a job well done. For example, send a door dash gift card for a remote employee to buy their lunch or give half a day off if it is warranted. Showing regular appreciation is a big part of getting employees to re-engage.
- Help your employees identify and lean into their natural strengths and passions and help them navigate relationship challenges that can be very draining for many people at work. Together, form a clear vision for the employee’s career progression and personal growth journey.
Ultimately, the employers and leaders that invest in their employees’ training and personal development will have better employee engagement and retention rates and the most productive and successful teams.
501 offers members complimentary reemployment coaching packages, through NextJob, to help your laid-off employees land jobs much more quickly. Contact us for more information on job search packages.
