Quiet Quitting: The Storm of Bare Minimum

Quiet quitting is a behavior in which employees intentionally do the least required by their job description without formally quitting. This phenomenon has been one of the important workplace trends since 2022. Based on a review of extant literature, this concept paper examines the origin of quiet quitting, its prevalence, and its impacts. Underpinning theories like the JD-R model, Conservation of Resources theory, and Social Exchange Theory are used to develop a conceptual framework that links burnout, perceived lack of control, and psychological contract violation as antecedents to quiet quitting behaviors. It also addresses organizational implications such as reduced productivity, innovation, and engagement that silently drain trillions from the global economy. Implications suggest organizations will cut quiet quitting and reach sustainable work environments by engaging employees with appropriate management practices, resource provisions, and fulfilment of promises.