Avoid quiet quitting: 3 strategies

Quiet Quitting - when employees only perform the bare minimum - is a trend that is gaining increasing significance in Switzerland. According to a "New Work" study in early 2022, this mindset has a significant impact on the job market. Employees aim to achieve a better work-life balance and avoid exhausting themselves at the expense of their mental health. This article addresses the most common causes of Quiet Quitting and presents possible solutions that employers can implement to counteract this trend.

Why is Quiet Quitting a Problem?

When employees adopt a Quiet Quitting mindset, it signifies a decline in their work engagement. This emotional distance can directly affect employee turnover, productivity, and the company's profitability. Therefore, it is important to take this development seriously and seek solutions.

What are the Reasons? And What Can Be Done About It?

#1 Unfair Compensation

If employees feel underpaid, it can affect their engagement, performance, and other factors influencing company performance.

Solution: Employers can help by providing transparency regarding the pay structure and clear definitions of milestones that can lead to a pay increase, ensuring employees feel better understood and motivated to go beyond the minimum.

#2 Incompetent Superiors

One doesn't have to get along perfectly with each colleague. However, it is crucial that employees perceive their superiors as competent. Otherwise, it can affect employee motivation.

Solution: When assigning higher positions, interpersonal skills as well as professional abilities should be considered. This can prevent superiors from being perceived as unqualified for their leadership roles.

#3 Stress and High Workload

Almost one-third of Swiss employees suffer from emotional exhaustion and stress. Young professionals are particularly affected by this trend. Factors such as uncooperative superiors, demanding work tasks, and overwhelming workloads have a strong negative impact on the mental health of employees and can lead them to perform their work with less engagement.

Solution: To tackle this challenge, it's important for superiors to recognize their employees' burdens and offer targeted support. Companies should, for instance, actively promote burnout prevention by recognizing early signs of exhaustion and offering corresponding support measures.

Furthermore, HR department campaigns and policies can help prioritize employees' mental health within the company. Promoting a balanced work-life balance is becoming increasingly important. It should be ensured that employees don't have to constantly work overtime and have sufficient time for their private lives. This helps prevent burnout and increases overall satisfaction.

Conclusion

This article has explored the common causes of Quiet Quitting and possible solutions. It is crucial for employers to take this phenomenon seriously and take proactive steps to support and motivate their employees. This includes offering fair compensation, providing competent and supportive superiors, and creating a work environment that prioritizes employees' mental health. By considering these factors, employers can help prevent Quiet Quitting and foster a positive and productive work environment.

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