Quiet quitters. They are the employees who have given up on going above and beyond in their jobs. They are unhappy with something in their role, their company, or their manager and choose to do only the bare minimum. They aren’t completely disengaged, or actively looking for a new role, but they are open to new job opportunities if they come their way. Standard business practice would call these employees a liability. We disagree. Understanding their behaviors and motivations can help you tap into some of the greatest potential for growth and change in your organization.
Up to 51% of employees are unengaged.
Gallup – 2023 State of the Global Workplace
Look at your own organization. If 51% of your employees were unengaged, would you call them a liability and move on? You’d be hard pressed to build a successful business if you did. We propose you take time to understand the behaviors and motivations of this group to help you tap into some of the greatest potential for growth and change within your organization. The big question is: How do you do this?
Recognize the signs of quiet quitting
To effectively address and engage your quiet quitters, you need to recognize the signs. These employees may exhibit behaviors such as arriving on time but leaving as soon as the clock hits their end time, declining extra projects, or expressing apathy or negativity towards the company’s mission or values. They may also appear disinterested in their own career progression or opportunities for advancement within the organization.
Discover the reasons behind quiet quitting
There are many reasons employees become quiet quitters. Perhaps they feel unappreciated or undervalued, maybe they don’t feel fully utilized or challenged in their role, or it could simply be a lack of clarity in their expectations and goals. Whatever the underlying reasons may be, it’s important to approach these employees with empathy and understanding before trying to address the issue.
Find ways to re-engage your quiet quitters
Once you recognize the signs and understand the motivations behind the quiet quitters’ behavior, it’s time to act.
Utilize these tactics to engage your quiet quitters.
- Create an environment that encourages open communication and feedback among employees at all levels.
- Provide opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Clearly define expectations and expectations
- Offer praise and recognition whenever possible.
When an employee has a sense of purpose and feels valued, they will be more likely to stay engaged and committed to their work.
Leverage the potential for growth and change
It’s a challenge to address quiet quitting, but it can lead to significant growth and change for your organization. Lean into the feedback these employees give. It could be instrumental in identifying areas that need improvement or innovation. Engaging with them can lead to increased collaboration and teamwork and may even provide a fresh perspective on existing processes or systems.
The quiet quitters within your company can represent a significant opportunity for organizational growth and change. Rather than viewing them as a liability, it’s important to recognize their behaviors and understand the underlying motivations behind their disengagement. Leveraging their potential for growth and re-engagement can lead to increased collaboration, innovation, and success both individually and for the organization. By creating a workplace that values open communication, employee feedback, and professional development.
