6 Ways to Reverse Quiet Quitting
Author: Vivian Blade, Leadership & Resilience Expert
President & CEO, Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting, LLC
More and more, people are disconnected from the workplace. Quiet quitters represent the people who are not engaged in their jobs. They may meet basic expectations, but they stop going above and beyond in their work. They are psychologically unattached and don’t have passion for what they do and/or where they do it.
Quiet quitting is not a new concept! But is has been exacerbated by the pandemic. So, concerns over employee engagement have seen some resurgence.
6 Ways to Reverse Quiet Quitting
What strategies are effective in reversing the cycle of quiet quitting? To be engaged is a partnership – individuals have a role, teams collectively have a role, and leaders have a role to play.
HR professionals can share the following practices to Reframe, Reconnect, and Recognize, and inspire a more engaged, thriving workplace.
REFRAME
#1. Inspire a Growth Mindset
The first step is to Reframe your mindset so you can be in control of changing your future. A growth mindset says, “If I don’t like the way things are, I can try to make them better.” Don’t sell yourself short. Consider your options. Focus on what is in your control to change.
This quote from Dale Carnegie sums it up well… “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed no hope at all.”
#2. Agree On & Honor Boundaries
In many industries during COVID, workloads increased, and people were asked to take on more work with fewer employees. The problem is that workloads and work hours have stayed at high levels and not rebalanced. The new routine becomes business as usual.
Consider what healthy boundaries mean for yourself. Work with your boss to align that with the needs of your role. For leaders, proactively invite your employees into this type of conversation on a regular basis and honor what you agree to.
RECONNECT
#3. Lean-in With Purpose
In the course of daily paperwork, meetings, and routines, you can lose the connection to the people you serve, your reason for being. Every person wants to see meaning and purpose in their work – you want to see how you work matters and do work that you care about. Rediscover your why and step into its power every day. You have so much to offer!
#4. Lean-in as a Team
This South African Proverb, Ubuntu, is perfect for this concept of leaning-in as a team:
“I am because we are. We are because I am.” We co-exist in this universe and need each other.
Trust is foundational to being able to lean-in and collaborate as a team. Trust is earned and extended. You believe that other people have your best interest and the best interest of the team at heart. You do the same. And, your actions are congruent with that.
RECOGNIZE
#5. See, Respect, & Value Me
No matter who you are or where you come from, you have value. One of our fundamental human needs is to be seen, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be valued. Leaders, recognize each person on your team for who they are and what they bring. Schedule weekly one-on-ones and make them a priority for relationship building, as well as reviewing work-related topics.
#6. Make Appreciation a Habit
Appreciation begins within. Give yourself some grace for the imperfection as you try to navigate a dynamic environment. Part of being seen, respected and valued is having people recognize the contributions you make, especially your boss! It doesn’t have to be complicated. A ‘thank you’ for the extra effort, or a ‘good job’ for a small win from your manager goes a long way. Even when showing appreciation only takes a minute, it may seem small, but the impact is significant.
Put Quiet Quitting in Its Place
When we Reframe, Reconnect, and Recognize, we can put quiet quitting in its place and enjoy a more engaged, connected workplace where we love to work and feel valued!
About Vivian:
Recognized as one of Engagedly’s Top 100 Global HR Influencers of 2021, Vivian Blade is a sought-after leadership expert and thought leader. She works with the world’s top brands to build better, more resilient workplaces, equipping leaders to solve the pressing burnout, turnover, and workplace culture challenges your company is struggling with right now.
Vivian’s impact is felt as a frequent keynote speaker, Amazon best-selling author, podcast host, and in delivering transformative leadership development programs, executive and team coaching, and corporate consulting. For more information, visit https://vivianblade.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianblade/.
If you could use some support, or would like me to bring this message to your organization or conference as a keynote or workshop, feel free to contact Vivian at vivian@vivianblade.com.
Permission to reprint articles by Vivian Blade, MBA, MBB, PMP
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Vivian Blade, Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting, LLC, 9152 Taylorsville Road, PMB 149, Louisville, KY 40299.