Quiet Quitting

A more uncertain job market has led to fewer workers quitting, but it has also contributed to the rise of "quiet quitting," where employees do only what is required to keep their jobs, without extra effort or engagement. According to a 2022 Gallup survey, nearly half of the U.S. workforce was disengaged, showing little enthusiasm for their work. While this trend reduces the financial burden of high turnover, it introduces hidden costs, such as lower productivity and diminished workplace morale. Over time, quiet quitting seemingly has become the norm, reflecting a broader shift toward prioritizing work-life balance.

However, Gallup's 2023 State of the Global Workplace report reveals an interesting twist: most employees don't dislike their work itself. A global study across 120 countries found that over 80 percent of workers enjoy their jobs. The real issue is not the work but the workplace environment — many employees feel dissatisfied with management, leadership, and workplace culture rather than the tasks they perform. This highlights the growing demand for better treatment, support, and leadership in organizations, rather than simply changing the nature of work itself — a trend also relevant to the planning profession.