Entrepreneurs and Combating Quiet Quitting

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Contributed by Dhiren Harchandani

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve likely heard the term “quiet quitting.” This trend, which began as a viral TikTok phenomenon, has become a real concern in workplaces worldwide. 

Quiet quitting isn’t about employees leaving their jobs; instead, it's about doing only what is required and nothing more—no overtime, no extra enthusiasm, no going above and beyond. 

For entrepreneurs, this shift in workplace mindset could impact everything from productivity to employee morale and your bottom line.

What Exactly Is Quiet Quitting?

Quiet quitting is not about resigning from a job in the traditional sense. Quiet quitting refers to employees who consciously choose to work the job’s minimum requirements, rejecting any form of additional commitment that falls outside their job description. 

The term has been around for a while, often attributed to economist Mark Boldger in 2009. However, it gained massive popularity on social media in 2022, where the hashtag #quietquitting accumulated 170 million views on TikTok. 

The concept resonated with many workers who prioritized a healthier lifestyle post-pandemic. For some, quiet quitting is about rejecting hustle culture and taking a stand against burnout; for others, it’s simply about meeting their role’s expectations without stretching beyond them.

Why Should Entrepreneurs Be Concerned?

For large corporations, the effects of quiet quitting may be diluted across a vast workforce. However, for small businesses and startups where every team member’s contribution is crucial, quiet quitting can have a negative impact. 

Quitting often means a dip in employee engagement, leading to a drop in productivity, reduced innovation, and a weakened team dynamic—all factors critical to entrepreneurial success.

Teamwork and commitment are foundational to growth in smaller businesses. When even one person adopts a mindset of doing the bare minimum, it can create a ripple effect, impacting morale and setting a negative tone for the entire team. Entrepreneurs cannot afford to ignore this trend if they hope to cultivate a motivated and collaborative work environment that drives their vision forward.

Understanding the Root Causes of Quiet Quitting

To address quiet quitting effectively, entrepreneurs need to understand why employees might disengage. One of the main reasons stems from workplace culture. Many quiet quitters crave a balance between their professional responsibilities (the “Outer Game”) and their personal well-being (the “Inner Game”). When a workplace fails to support this balance, employees may disengage, resulting in a form of silent protest.

Additionally, burnout is a factor driving quiet quitting. Increased workloads, unclear job expectations, and limited opportunities for growth can all contribute to employee dissatisfaction. When these issues aren’t addressed, employees may quit quietly to protect their mental and emotional health.

How Can Entrepreneurs Combat Quiet Quitting?

Fortunately, there are several ways successful entrepreneurs can foster an environment that discourages quiet quitting and encourages engagement and productivity.

Create and Maintain a Positive Work Culture

A toxic work culture is one of the top reasons employees disengage. According to research, an unhealthy environment can lead to quiet quitting as employees withdraw from participating in a workplace they find negative or stressful. For entrepreneurs, establishing and nurturing a healthy workplace culture is crucial.

Start by examining your leadership approach and its impact on employee well-being. Conduct regular employee surveys or feedback sessions to gauge morale and identify stress points. Use these insights to implement clear communication channels where team members can voice concerns without fear of repercussions. 

Recognize individual and team achievements through structured reward systems and foster empathy by offering support programs, such as mental health resources or flexible working arrangements. These actionable steps create a positive culture and reinforce a sense of value and engagement among employees.

Manage Workload To Prevent Burnout

Workload management is another critical component in combating quiet quitting. It’s natural for businesses to experience periods where extra effort is required, but consistently overwhelming your team with excessive tasks is a recipe for burnout. Instead, aim to balance workloads with extra temporary staff or rotational duties, ensuring that increased demands are short-term rather than ongoing.

As an entrepreneur, set realistic goals and help your team understand priorities. By preventing burnout and respecting employees’ time, you’ll build a healthier, more sustainable work environment and reduce the likelihood of quiet quitting.

Set Clear, Honest Job Expectations

One primary frustration leading to quiet quitting is unclear or shifting job expectations. Many employees report frustration when asked to take on tasks beyond their original job description. Entrepreneurs should establish clear and honest job expectations from the outset to avoid this.

When roles are well-defined, employees know what is expected and can feel a sense of accomplishment in meeting those expectations. If extra tasks occasionally arise, approach them collaboratively. Encourage your team to provide input and feedback, and ensure they feel empowered rather than obligated.

Prioritize Employee Development and Growth

Career stagnation is one of the main reasons employees lose motivation and start to disengage. In the United States, 23% of employees are dissatisfied with their opportunities for growth within their company. 

Entrepreneurs can address this by making employee growth a priority. Consider implementing regular performance reviews, during which employees can discuss their career goals and opportunities for skill development.

Investing in training, mentorship, and development programs benefits your business through increased employee skills and demonstrates to employees that they’re valued. When employees see that their growth is as important as the company’s success, they’re more likely to stay engaged and contribute fully.

Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Many employees value their time outside of work just as much as, if not more than, their time on the job. Around 51% of employees would be willing to give up a salary increase if they could have more job flexibility. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance helps employees feel more fulfilled professionally and personally, reducing the temptation to quietly quit.

Implementing flexible work hours, remote work options, or mental health days are some ways entrepreneurs can show that they respect employees’ need for balance. When you support your team’s well-being, you incentivize them to be more productive by creating an environment where employees are more likely to go above and beyond willingly.

When Quiet Quitting Persists: Know When to Intervene

In some cases, quiet quitting may persist despite your best efforts. When this happens, consider having a one-on-one discussion with the employee to understand their reasons for disengagement. This could reveal underlying issues you may not have been aware of, allowing you to address and resolve them.

In certain situations, however, it may become apparent that a particular employee is not a good fit for the team. As difficult as it may be, parting ways with an employee who consistently disengages and impacts team morale may be best for your business. Maintaining a positive and productive work environment is essential for growth, and sometimes that means making tough calls.

However, avoid the temptation to engage in retaliatory actions like quiet firing. This passive management strategy involves intentionally neglecting or overlooking an employee, stifling their opportunities for growth, and ultimately pushing them to quit. 

Build a Motivated Team

Quiet quitting presents a unique challenge for entrepreneurs who rely on engaged and dedicated teams. As you build your business, remember that employees will likely give their best when they feel appreciated, valued, and supported. 

Through fostering a healthy work culture, managing workloads, and prioritizing personal and professional growth, entrepreneurs can reduce the likelihood of quiet quitting and create a team that feels motivated to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

Addressing quiet quitting head-on will strengthen your business from within, ensuring that your team remains aligned with your vision and committed to helping your business thrive.