9 signs someone is “quiet quitting” at the workplace (without even realizing it)

In today’s workplace, the term “quiet quitting” has become a bit of a buzzword, and it’s easy to see why.

We’ve all encountered that feeling of just going through the motions, meeting the bare minimum, but without the energy, enthusiasm, or engagement we once had.

Sometimes, it’s a conscious choice, but often, people don’t even realize they’ve checked out until it starts affecting their work and relationships on the job.

So how can you tell if someone (or maybe even you!) is quietly quitting without realizing it?

Here are nine subtle signs that suggest someone might be coasting, not from laziness, but as a response to burnout, feeling undervalued, or a loss of purpose.

1) They’re disengaged during team discussions

In the workplace, communication is key.

And when someone starts to “quietly quit”, one of the first things to go is their active engagement in team discussions.

You see, it’s not just about them being silent or non-participatory.

It’s more subtle – they might still attend meetings, but they’re not really there. Their minds are elsewhere and they contribute less than they used to.

It’s like they’re physically present but mentally absent.

This kind of disengagement often stems from a lack of interest in their role or the company. It’s as if they’ve stopped caring about the project or the team’s goals.

If you notice this shift in behavior, it could be a sign that someone is “quiet quitting”. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, this disengagement can significantly impact team dynamics and productivity.

2) Their productivity is dwindling

There’s a concept in psychology known as “occupational burnout“. It refers to a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job.

Someone who’s “quiet quitting” might be experiencing this burnout without even realizing it.

You may notice that their work output is starting to decline. Tasks that used to be completed quickly and efficiently are now taking longer than usual. Or maybe the quality of their work has dipped.

But here’s the thing.

This drop in productivity isn’t necessarily because they’re incapable or lacking in skills. It’s more likely that they’ve lost the motivation or drive to perform at their best.

And when motivation dips, productivity often follows suit.

3) They’re suddenly over-achieving

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive in light of the previous point, but stick with me here.

Sometimes, a sign of “quiet quitting” can be an unusual spike in productivity. Sounds strange, right? Let me explain.

This over-performance is often a result of an employee trying to compensate for their lack of emotional engagement. They might throw themselves into their work, completing tasks at a rapid pace or taking on more projects than they can realistically handle.

However, this isn’t usually sustainable or healthy. It’s like a car revving at high speed but running out of fuel quickly.

In fact, it’s not uncommon for these individuals to eventually experience burnout, leading to a sudden drop in performance.

So if you notice an employee suddenly over-achieving without a clear reason, it might be worth checking in with them. They could be “quiet quitting” and using their work as a distraction to cope.

4) They’re avoiding social interactions

Ever noticed someone in your team who used to be socially active suddenly becoming more reserved?

This could be more than just an off day or week. It might be a sign of “quiet quitting”.

Studies show that workplace relationships play a crucial role in job satisfaction. The bonds formed with colleagues can often make the difference between enjoying work and dreading it.

When someone starts to withdraw from these social interactions, it’s often a sign that they’re disengaging. They might avoid team lunches, office parties, or even casual conversations around the water cooler.

Essentially, they’re distancing themselves emotionally from the workplace and its people, perhaps without even realizing it.

5) They’re showing signs of stress

It’s no secret that work can be stressful. But when someone is “quiet quitting“, this stress can manifest in more noticeable and often concerning ways.

They might exhibit:

• A change in appetite or sleep patterns
• Frequent headaches or other physical discomforts
• A general sense of fatigue or lethargy
• Irritability or mood swings

These signs shouldn’t be ignored. They’re not just indicators of someone disengaging from their job, but also potential red flags for their overall well-being.

6) They’re not taking on new challenges

In my experience, one of the most exciting aspects of any job is the opportunity to grow and learn. Taking on new challenges keeps us engaged, motivated, and makes our work feel meaningful.

With a “quiet quitter”, though, this drive often dwindles.

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They might stop volunteering for new projects or shy away from opportunities to upskill or take on more responsibility. It’s like they’ve hit a roadblock in their career path and are no longer interested in navigating around it.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about being lazy or lacking ambition. It’s about losing the spark that once ignited their passion for their work.

7) They’re not voicing their ideas or concerns

Imagine you’re at a team meeting where everyone is brainstorming ideas for an upcoming project.

There’s one colleague who used to always come up with innovative ideas, but lately, they’ve been unusually quiet. Or perhaps there’s an issue impacting the team’s productivity, and this person, known for their problem-solving skills, doesn’t seem to care.

Why the sudden change?

When someone is “quiet quitting”, they often stop voicing their ideas or concerns. It’s like they’ve lost their voice or don’t believe their input matters anymore.

Could it be that they no longer feel invested in the outcomes? Or could it be that they’re retreating into their shell because they’re disengaging from the job?

These hypothetical questions aren’t just food for thought. They could be the key to identifying a colleague who is “quiet quitting” without even realizing it.

8) They’re consistently late or absent

I once had a colleague who was always the first one in the office every morning. He was known for his punctuality and never missed a day of work.

But over time, we started noticing that he was frequently coming in late. Then, he began calling in sick more often. His punctuality turned into consistent lateness, and his perfect attendance became frequent absences.

At first, we thought he might be dealing with personal issues or health problems. But when we checked in with him, it turned out he was “quiet quitting”. He had lost interest in his job and was disengaging without even realizing it.

9) They’re indifferent to feedback

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, someone who’s “quiet quitting” often becomes indifferent to feedback.

Constructive criticism, praise, suggestions for improvement – none of it seems to matter to them anymore. It’s like their emotional investment in their job has dwindled so much that they no longer care about improving or growing.

This indifference is a clear sign of disengagement. It reflects a lack of interest not just in their current role but also in their future career progression.

So, what can we do about it?

Recognizing the signs of “quiet quitting” is only the first step. The next, and arguably more important step, is to address the issue. Here are a few suggestions:

• Start a conversation: If you notice someone showing these signs, reach out to them. They might not even realize they’re disengaging.
• Offer support: Whether it’s workload management or personal issues, see how you can offer support.
• Create a positive work environment: Foster a culture of openness and appreciation. This can go a long way in preventing “quiet quitting”.

“Quiet quitting” is more common than we might think, and it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. As members of a team, it’s our responsibility to look out for each other and ensure we’re all engaged and motivated.

After all, a team that works well together succeeds together. So let’s keep our eyes open, reach out, and support each other. Because sometimes, the quietest cry for help is the one that needs to be heard the most.