Is Quiet Quitting a Sign of Burnout?
We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed with work, and the physical and mental exhaustion that follows. We often choose to push through it, thinking that it will eventually get better. But what if we don’t? What if we choose to take a step back and allow ourselves to recover? In the past few years, the concept of “quiet quitting” has become more and more popular. It has changed everything we thought we knew about work.
It generally refers to the idea of letting go of the excessive demands that we place on ourselves, and allowing ourselves to take a break. The idea of “workaholism” and subsequent burnout has grown more prevalent in modern culture for a variety of reasons. The shifting nature of the labor market, the increase in workers’ psychological health problems, and the ever-present possibility of economic recession.
It’s no secret that today’s workers are finding ways to circumvent the psychological impacts of burnout and workaholism through the practice of “quiet quitting”.
Is Quiet Quitting Really Helpful?
Quietly quitting, in some cases, can be an effective way of dealing with burnout and workaholism. It is all about the process of reducing the amount of work being done, while still maintaining a sense of productivity. It can be helpful in helping to regain a sense of purpose, and can help to reduce stress levels. It allows us to take a step back and evaluate our priorities and our lifestyle. It is a way of allowing ourselves to rest, recharge, and re-evaluate our goals and ambitions. However, feelings of guilt and shame are a potential side effect of the “quiet quitting” strategy, especially that it leads workers to avoid going above and beyond the call of duty in favour of doing just enough to get by.
What About Burnout And Workaholism?
Generally, burned out workers are:
- 63% more likely to take a sick day
- 2.6 times as likely to be actively looking for a different job
- 13% less confident in their performance
- 23% more likely to visit the emergency room
Is a Balanced Lifestyle The Answer?
The key to avoiding burnout and workaholism is to ensure that we have a balanced life. This means that we need to ensure that we have time for ourselves, our hobbies, and our relationships. We also need to ensure that we are taking regular breaks from work, and getting enough sleep. We often think of burnout as a result of overworking, but it can be equally as damaging to our mental and physical wellbeing if we don’t take a break. We can become overwhelmed and exhausted, and our productivity and quality of work can suffer as a result. That’s why it is important to ensure that we have a balanced lifestyle. This means taking time out to focus on our mental and physical health, as well as ensuring that we are making time for activities that bring us joy. It is also important to have a good support system, as having people that you can talk to and rely on can be invaluable in times of difficulty. By taking time out to rest and reflect, we can ensure that we are making the best decisions for our wellbeing. Quiet quitting can benefit us in breaking out from the cycle of exhaustion and overworking, but it is never a substitute for a balanced lifestyle.
The Takeaway
It is important to remember that we all have different needs, and that these needs change over time. It is important to listen to ourselves and to acknowledge our feelings, as this can help us to identify when we are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
Finally, you need to remember that it is okay to take breaks or to quit quietly. We all need time for ourselves, and it is important to recognize when we are in need of a break. By making time for ourselves, and ensuring that we have a balanced life, we can avoid burnout and workaholism.
References:
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Burnout.
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Workaholism: Signs, symptoms and help.
- Psychology Today. (2020). Quietly Quitting: An Alternative to Burnout & Workaholism.
- Ben Wigert, “Employee Burnout: The Biggest Myth,” Gallup, March 13, 2020.