Around the world, only [_15% of workers_](https://teambuilding.com/blog/quiet-quitting-statistics) are actively engaged at work.

This means up to 85% could be jumping on the quiet quitting band wagon. Theres less buy-in for the work hard, play hard culture and theres more focus on ones own wellbeing. Its the ultimate payback to a [_toxic workplace_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/Toxicworkplaceculture) - workers show up, complete their tasks, go home.

Some say its the minimum required, others say theyre merely doing the job theyre paid to do. Either way, its is happening.

But why? What can be done? Lets dive in.

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**What Do We Mean By Quiet Quitting?**

Its not _quitting_. But its not _not_ quitting either.

Employees are showing up to work, fulfilling their primary responsibilities and going home. No stepping up. No raising their hand. No going above and beyond.

They are resigning from the idea of going the extra mile if it means it will offset their balance and their well-being. That is, the stress, the burnout, the late nights - the emotional and psychological over expenditure of work.

Basically, if above and beyond means constant overtime and building anxiety then forget about it.

It makes sense right? The employee-leadership relationship is a two-way street. It just so happens, the new workforce generation is asking for workplaces to step up their game in terms of workplace culture.

But it's a dangerous play  and one that's costing businesses significantly. One study in particular focussed on workplace engagement and found that [_quiet quitting is costing US businesses up to $500 billion annually_](https://teambuilding.com/blog/quiet-quitting-statistics). The study also disclosed that this could equal up to **$1.5 trillion globally.**

**Why is Quiet Quitting Happening?**

What we know is, there is a reason why employees have opted in to quiet quitting.  It all comes down to [_psychological safety_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/psychologicallysafeworkplaces) , well-being and making sure human needs are being understood, being _met_.

So when it comes down to it, there are **three crucial areas** that, if unstable, will form the foundational cracks in an employees mindset.

**Lack Of Support**

In her book _Dare to Lead,_ Dr. Brene Brown talks about this a lot. She says psychological safety in the workplace is about creating an environment that makes employees feel safe, heard and comfortable to have difficult conversations.

To be vulnerable without fear of shame or repercussions.

If employees dont feel the support, if they feel like they don't have a team, a boss or a manager backing them 100%, they won't want to push themselves.

Why? Because **support ensures motivation.**

**** If theres no advocacy, or zero feeling of consideration from leadership, employees tend to put up their own boundaries.

We all get busy from time to time. Managers may be overwhelmed and overworked themselves, or are unresponsive to employees' concerns. But if the support isnt there - no empathy, no solutions - then its easy for employees to pull back from their efforts.

**There's No Trust**

Poor communication results in a breakdown of trust. Whether employees feel uncomfortable voicing what they think, or management lacks the skills to communicate effectively.

Employees may feel uncomfortable voicing their concerns or opinions. On the other hand, managers may not know how to effectively express their issues. In any case, if there's a lack of communication, trust declines and there's no longer a safe space for employees to speak up.

As a result, employees will unsubscribe from the expectation of keeping managers in the loop, and won't speak up when it's needed, based on a what's the point? attitude.

In fact, when Brene Brown conducted her own research, she found that the root of established trust in a workplace is feeling comfortable **asking for help.**

If there's trust, stable unambiguous communication will follow. Learn more about how to [_effectively build trust in your teams_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/buildtrustinworkplace) here.

**Being Overworked**

Liz Wiseman's work on [_multiplier and diminisher traits_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/multipliersanddiminishers) informs us that stress-inducing behaviours from leadership is a one-way ticket to unproductive, unhappy employees.

According to [_Asana's 2022 report_](https://asana.com/resources/anatomy-of-work) , seven out 10 employees have experienced burnout in the past year. Employees are also more likely to feel less engaged and are more vulnerable to making mistakes.

Meanwhile, a [_2021 survey_](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/352949/employee-engagement-holds-steady-first-half-2021.aspx) found that only 36% of employees are actively engaged at work. Giving way for overworked, overwhelmed, exhausted and overburdened employees to want to take a step back and re-evaluate their work-life balance.

The never-ending stress often results in one thing: a tired, resentful employee who is giving themselves back some control.

**What are the Signs of Quiet Quitting?**

When enough is enough, employees will start to scale back their efforts and stick to the bare minimum. Here are a few red flags to look out for:

**Less Motivation and Initiative**

Noticing a drop in initiative and motivation is a sign of distancing oneself from the role.

Employees will follow instructions, but that's it. Nothing more. Theres no more initiative or interest in extra projects. They no longer approach management, it's always the other way around.

If you begin to notice this, it could be a sign of a decrease in overall attitude and job satisfaction.

**Lower Productivity**

When the motivation dips, productivity follows suit.

Deliverable output decreases, theres less vocal input in meetings, no urgency - whatever it is, it could indicate a larger issue. This is not to say that employees arent completely disengaged $we all need a small break every now and again$, but its something to look out for.

**Distancing From The Team**

Part of quiet quitting is setting hard boundaries between you and the work, which may also include the rest of the team.

It might show through not going out of their way from helping another team member, taking more time off work or becoming socially distant. As a result, the team as a whole can suffer.

**How To Prevent Quiet Quitting?**

An adaptive leadership is crucial to succeed within a dynamic workplace. Leaders need to also step up, respond to change where its needed. This means re-visiting areas that are now reflecting what a toxic workplace looks like, revamping traditional models and changing it up.

**Quick tip:** Prepare for change with our expert [_virtual masterclass_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g0000004SyPEAU) with _Future Fit_ author Andrea Clarke providing you with everything you need to know about how to effectively adapt and respond to change.

**Compensate, Recognise and Show Gratitude**

Never underestimate the value of a gold star, a pat on the back or a well done. In fact, [_79% of employees_](https://www.octanner.com/content/dam/oc-tanner/documents/global-research/White_Paper_Performance_Accelerated.pdf) say if they would stop 'quiet quitting' if they were given more recognition.

Zero recognition or radio silence from a manager often instills worry, a drop of perceived quality and results in a decrease of employee engagement. **If employees don't feel valued, they more likely to check out**.

Recognising value, saying thank you and voicing appreciation is the best thing you can do to make sure youre meeting one of the most impactful human needs - feeling worthy.

Team lunches, getaways or even small bonuses are other ways to tangibly show ones appreciation.

**Be Transparent About Career Growth**

No one likes feeling stuck in their job with nowhere to go.

Taking part in discussing career development gives employees a chance to envision how they can scale up the ladder from day they start. Discuss what areas interest your employees, give them guidance to take on projects and come up with strategies to get there.

If you want your employees to thrive, give them the opportunity to look forward - theyll feel engaged and motivated to get there.

**Listen to Your Teams**

Whether its a promoting a hybrid working model or simply being understood, whatever it is - listen to your teams.

Disconnect happens when employees feel they arent being heard or valued, and even more so if theres a clear lack of support from their managers. When this happens, employee wont always leave, theyll simply do what they need to. But thats it.

Its all about nurturing those relationships. Itll make the world of difference.

**Connect With Your Teams**

People dont quit the company, they quit what happens _inside_ the company.

Absent managers and a lack of professional and personal check ins are crucial. Especially now that more workplaces are switching to hybrid and remote working models. Its getting easier for team members to feel isolated, so its important to bridge the gap of disconnect.

The best way to combat the desire to mentally check out is to have a productive and meaningful discussion to keep engagement levels from dipping out.

**Quick tip:** want to leave a positive legacy with your teams? [_Our Growth Faculty pass gives you exclusive access_](https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/event.php?eventId=a1J9g0000004p8OEAQ) to award-winning leadership expert, business leader and author of _Head & Heart_, Kristin Ferguson. Learn how to make a positive impact on your teams of all sizes from Kristin's 30 years of experience.

**Build Your Teams Engagement With Our Growth Faculty Pass**

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