Article written by Sara Pantaleo
Dr Melissa Wheeler, Senior Lecturer in Business Administration at RMIT, highlights the emergence of trends like “quiet quitting” as indicators of a growing divide in respect between employees and employers.
Major tech giants, including Zoom, Google, Meta, X, and Amazon, have recently mandated a return to the office at least two to three times a week. However, this move is met with resistance from many employees who value the flexibility of remote work arrangements over the traditional commute and fixed schedules.
Dr. Wheeler warns that pushing employees back into rigid office structures may trigger a mass exodus, prompting them to seek alternative opportunities that offer the desired flexibility. Employers express concerns about the potential erosion of their established work culture and a decline in innovation resulting from the absence of spontaneous in-person interactions.
The clash of expectations between employees seeking work-life balance and employers emphasising the importance of physical presence suggests a looming disconnect. This disconnect could manifest as “quiet quitting,” where employees invest the minimum effort to retain their jobs without going the extra mile for their employers.
To bridge this gap and prevent a talent drain, employers must prioritise fostering meaningful work aligned with company values. This involves helping employees understand the larger purpose of their contributions, offering growth opportunities, and providing avenues for learning, skill development, and career advancement.
Key Strategies for Employers:
- Remote Work Options and Healthy Boundaries
- Offer remote work options and flexible hours.
- Encourage healthy work-life boundaries and discourage overwork.
- Clearly communicate expectations regarding communication outside of regular work hours.
- Employee Well-being Initiatives
- Provide employee assistance programs.
- Offer mental health resources and opportunities for physical activities.
- Strengthening Communication:
- Hold regular one-on-one meetings to create a safe space for open communication.
- Actively listen to employee concerns and address them promptly.
- Provide constructive feedback regularly to help employees feel valued and improve.
- Creating a Positive Work Culture:
- Build trust and transparency by being open about company decisions and challenges.
- Encourage collaboration and teamwork to foster a sense of community.
- Promote employee appreciation by celebrating successes and acknowledging big and small contributions.
Understanding that “quiet quitting” is often a symptom of deeper issues, addressing root causes through meaningful work, effective communication, and a positive culture can create a workplace where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated to go the extra mile.
We can work with you and your business to build productive and inclusive teams and implement initiatives to elevate your business as a preferred employer. Contact us to find out more.