When the job you once desired becomes a stress-filled and exhausting experience, "quiet quitting" might feel like the best option. You go to work, perform your job as described without getting emotionally involved, and collect your paycheck.
While this approach may shield your emotions, you'll discover that staying detached can have negative consequences. Like Penny Lane in the movie "Almost Famous," missed an opportunity for love; similarly, in your career, you might spend 40 hours a week at a job that doesn't satisfy your psychological and emotional needs.
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What is "Quiet Thriving?"
In a Washington Post article, psychotherapist Lesley Alderman suggests a healthier option to "quiet quitting": "quiet thriving" - finding purpose in a challenging environment and, perhaps, preserving your peace while having fun.
Neuroscientist and success coach Laura Ellera describes "quiet thriving" as a mental switch process to see our career from a more positive angle and take physical actions to make our job exciting again.
The idea here is that quietly quitting or resenting your job can create a harmful cycle. External factors might cause disengagement, leading to minimal effort or negative behaviors. However, staying in this mindset for a long time can worsen negative feelings, leading to a lack of satisfaction or even burnout.
Instead of making significant changes that can be overwhelming, quiet thriving involves making minor, gradual adjustments to ignite passion and productivity. This could include taking more enjoyable breaks, forming friendships with colleagues, celebrating achievements, or taking ownership of specific job tasks.
Can HR Enforce "Quiet Thriving?"
It's up to the employee to recognize their concerns and be willing to make changes themselves. HR cannot enforce quiet thriving, but they can spot early signs of disengagement that may indicate someone is quietly quitting or resenting their job.
Regular 1:1 with employees encourages them to share work-related concerns openly. HR professionals can suggest ways to incorporate more enjoyable activities into their day, explore what aspects of their work they find most fulfilling, and guide them towards actions that bring greater enjoyment and satisfaction.
How to Quietly Thrive at Work
- Mental Shift: Focus on what brings you joy and what gives you purpose.
- Adjustment: Take short breaks, build positive relationships with colleagues, or celebrate small achievements to make work more enjoyable.
- Engagement: Fully immerse yourself in your tasks, actively seeking personal development and expansion opportunities.
- Communication: Openly share any challenges you're facing so your manager or HR can provide support to improve your experience.
- Self-Care: Take care of your well-being both inside and outside of work. Prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge, ensuring you have the energy to thrive in your job.
You can "quietly thrive" at work by making small adjustments and prioritizing your overall well-being to find greater satisfaction in your career.
