Quiet quitting is a phenomenon that has rapidly gained traction throughout the workforce. The idea of quiet quitting went viral with the help of a TikTok video, which garnered millions of views. The creator of the TikTok video, Zaid Khan, described quiet quitting as –
“…You’re still performing your duties, but you’re no longer subscribing to the hustle culture mentality that work has to be your life.
The reality is it’s not — and your worth as a person is not defined by your labor.”
Recent research suggests that quiet quitters make up more than half of the U.S. workforce. However, this is not a new phenomenon. Quiet quitting or ‘acting your wage’ has been a subject that has continued to affect the U.S. workforce.
As a leader, the term quiet quitting may raise concerns about the dedication of your staff. However, we are here to provide you with strategies to maintain satisfaction and efficiency. Below are five recommendations to build an empowered team and reduce quiet quitting.
1. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
When working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, we could easily forget that our personnel are in the trenches with us. Conveying gratitude could do wonders for staff satisfaction. Feeling appreciated could create an environment where appreciation is sought after and cultivates a sense of loyalty towards the job. If someone puts in the effort, it is vital to acknowledge this and show that they are a team member, not simply a cog in your workforce.
Simply complimenting your teams’ efforts and acknowledging that you know they’re working hard could do wonders for team morale.
2. EMPOWER, ENCOURAGE, AND MENTOR
Providing your team with the tools needed to create a well-done job could catalyze a project’s success or failure. A group that feels supported and encouraged by their employers is more likely to succeed and want to succeed within the business. In addition, creating an environment where a team member could seek you out as a mentor could lead to a cooperative, symbiotic relationship.
If you’re looking to improve this facet of your organization, meeting with your team to provide tips on how to thrive in your company could elevate your teamwork to astronomical levels.
3. PRIORITIZE MENTAL WELLNESS
Feeling overwhelmed is a topic that both the employer and the employee may have in common. However, understanding that your health and well-being are as important as your team members could facilitate a healthy, balanced relationship with work. Managing a brand emotionally and mentally at your best could generate enhanced results when your body is rested.
While finding a day off could be difficult, finding the odd day when you are willing to give your team a small break could do wonders for morale and energy in the office.
4. LEND AN EAR
Shutting down team members’ opinions could be a quick way to sever blossoming relationships within the organization. While listening to every suggestion could be detrimental to the business model, researchers suggest a willingness to acknowledge ideas. Hearing people out could help your team feel that they have a stake in the company and that their thoughts matter. In addition, the positive change brought upon through collaborative and open-minded discussions could foster a workplace culture that leads to confident, well-spoken communication.
5. HOVERING IS A NO GO
Someone hovering behind you as you work, trying to micromanage your work, could be an extremely frustrating experience. On the other hand, a workplace culture that values independence and trust could be immensely beneficial for the boss and workers. Faith that your staff could handle the workload and will come to you when they need assistance ensures that your team views you as a mentor and a fellow collaborator. This trust could prevent the perception that you are simply someone waiting in the wings, ready to swoop down and extinguish any form of confidence they may have had in their work.
If you would like to check in with your workers, recording a quick video message or sending an email could be reassuring. Let them know you are available if they are stuck or need clarification. Ask questions such as, what do they need that you haven’t provided, or what resources could enhance the project they’re working on. This way, your team members are encouraged to reach out while also being held accountable.
Using these five tactics to foster and maintain a productive and joyful workplace could be the influence that creates a thriving professional relationship. Feel confident in building a bond with your staff where they could reach out to you without fear of shame or criticism. This collaboration could make the team of your dreams. Everyone working cooperatively towards the same goal doesn’t have to be a distant wish.