Quiet Quitting: The Rising Trend of Mental Rebellion in Indian Workplaces
No overachieving, no extra credit, sounds familiar, doesn't it? You might be part of the growing phenomenon called silent resignation, or as it's more popularly known, quiet quitting. Where employees mentally quit their jobs without actually leaving - this subtle form of rebellion is more than a trend; it's stirring powerful statements against toxic work cultures, workplace burnout, and the relentless demands of hustle culture.
In Indian workplaces, this quiet rebellion is more than just a trend—itrsquo;s a powerful statement. Tech startups in Bengaluru to corporate towers in Gurugram, employees are drawing the line between work and life. This subtle yet undeniable shift shows that employees no longer want to be mere cogs in a machine demanding relentless effort without adequate compensation or appreciation. A 2023 Gallup study reports that 23% of employees worldwide report feeling quiet quitting.
The Overwork Epidemic
Indian workplaces have normalized overwork to an unhealthy degree. Employees are expected to respond to mid-night emails, attend weekend calls, and ‘stretch’ their limits without complaint. This relentless pace fuels workplace burnout. For a long time, the concept of overwork in Indian corporate culture wasn't new, but today employee productivity has become tied to being 'always on.' Instead of fostering achievement, it leads to mental exhaustion. Before realizing it, employees have mentally 'checked out.'
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon caused by workplace stress that isn't successfully managed. Here are a few anecdotes that illustrate this.
Anecdote: Meera's Story
Meera, a digital marketing manager in Delhi, spent months juggling, often skipping meals, to meet deadlines. When her efforts went unnoticed, she stopped answering post-work calls. 'They wanted 24/7 availability but couldn't offer basic appreciation,' she recalls. Today, Meera sticks to her 9-6 routine and no longer accommodates unreasonable demands.
For a long time, Meera felt like she was putting in too much work for what she was getting paid. She wasn't getting paid overtime but the job was regularly forcing her to put in 1-2 hours of overtime each night. Leadership liked to encroach on every little aspect of her free time, so she essentially set boundaries with what she had in her contract. She showed up exactly when she was supposed to, took her lunch exactly when she was supposed to, and returned from lunch exactly when she was supposed to. Eventually, she started dropping everything and walking out when her shift ended.
It was one of those things where I simply quit caring. I really didn't care if I kept my job and I knew I could find another job relatively quickly. I was simply refusing to take on more work unless I was going to be compensated for it.
But why is quiet quitting gaining traction in Indian workplaces?
Why Indian Employees Are Opting Out Mentally
1. The Overwork Epidemic
Indian workplaces have normalized overwork to an unhealthy degree. Employees are expected to respond to mid-night emails, attend weekend calls, and ‘stretch’ their limits without complaints. This relentless pace fuels workplace burnout.
2. Workplace Burnout
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is officially recognized as an occupational phenomenon caused by workplace stress that isn't successfully managed. Meera's story is a perfect example of how prolonged overwork can lead to a feeling of exhaustion and disinterest in the workplace.
3. Hustle Culture
Hustle culture preaches constant effort and sacrifice for the greater good. It emphasizes relentless productivity and leaves little room for rest and recovery. This often leads to mental exhaustion and a sense of disillusionment. Quiet quitting is a reaction against this culture, where employees are no longer willing to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of productivity.
Hustle culture in Indian workplaces thrives on the idea that success is achieved through constant effort and sacrifice. However, this constant pressure to perform can lead to burnout and mental exhaustion. Employees who have experienced this are now opting to 'quietly quit' rather than continue the cycle of overwork and underappreciation.
In conclusion, quiet quitting is a reaction against the toxic work cultures, relentless demands, and burnout associated with hustle culture. It's a way for employees to maintain their mental health and find a healthier work-life balance. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing well-being, employees can opt out of the exhausting cycle and find the fulfillment they deserve.