In the workplace, a unsettling trend has emerged: quiet quitting. Unlike a typical resignation, where employees formally submit their notice, quiet quitting is a subtle form of disengagement, where employees mentally disconnect from their work while physically remaining on the job.

Understanding Quiet Quitting 

Quiet quitting is when employees mentally and/or emotionally disconnect from their work, while still physically showing up to work. This subtle disengagement can manifest in many ways, such as decreased productivity, enthusiasm, dedication, and collaboration.

The signs of Quiet Quitting 

It can be difficult to spot the signs of quiet quitting since they are often subtle and can often go unnoticed. Some of the common indictors to quiet quitting can be:

Decreased productivity: A quiet quitter may start to produce less work, or their work may be of lower quality.

Decline in enthusiasm: A quiet quitter may seem less engaged in their work and may not be as excited about their projects.

Less dedication and collaboration: A quiet quitter may be less willing to go the extra mile for their work and may be less likely to collaborate with their colleagues.

Increased absenteeism or tardiness: A quiet quitter may start to take more sick days or be late to work more often.

Withdrawal from social activities: A quiet quitter may start to withdraw from social activities at work, such as team lunches or happy hours.

Negative attitude: A quiet quitter may have a negative attitude towards their work or their employer.

Address Quiet Quitting

Addressing quiet quitting involves being proactive from both the employees and employer.

• If you are feeling disengaged or unfulfilled at work, talk to your manager. Be honest about what is causing you to disengage and see if there is anything your manager can do to help.
• Set boundaries. It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. Avoid checking work emails or messages outside of work hours.
• Take breaks and vacations. It is important to take breaks and vacations to avoid burnout. Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and recharge.
• Find a mentor or coach. A mentor or coach can provide you with guidance and support as you navigate your career.
• Consider finding a new job. If you have tried everything to address your quiet quitting and you are still feeling unhappy and unfulfilled at work, it may be time to consider finding a new job.

Things to do as a employer: 

• Create a positive and supportive work environment. Employees are more likely to be engaged and productive in a work environment where they feel valued and respected. Make sure that employees have the resources and support they need to do their jobs well.
• Set clear expectations and goals. Employees need to know what is expected of them and what their goals are. Make sure that expectations are realistic and achievable.
• Provide regular feedback. Employees need to know how they are doing and how they can improve. Provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive.
• Recognise and reward good work. When employees do a good job, be sure to recognize and reward them. This will show that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
• Offer opportunities for growth and development. Employees want to feel like they are growing and developing in their careers. Offer opportunities for employees to learn new skills and take on new challenges.

What Exactly is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is like a friendly hello to the hiring manager. It's a one-page document you send alongside your resume when applying for a job. But, it's more than just a formality. It's your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain why you're perfect for the job, and showcase your enthusiasm.

Why Are They Important?

Just like everything, there are pros and cons to submitting a cover letter with your CV when applying for a role. 

Pros:

Personal Touch: Cover letters allow you to connect with the hiring manager on a personal level. You're not just another name on a resume; you're a real person with real interests.

Highlight Skills: They let you highlight skills and experiences that might not fit neatly into your resume. It's where you can share stories and examples that show you're the right fit for the job.

Address Gaps: If you have gaps in your work history or are changing careers, a cover letter is where you can explain these transitions and make your case.

Show Enthusiasm: A well-written cover letter shows that you're genuinely excited about the job and the company. Employers love to see that enthusiasm.

Stand Out: A thoughtful cover letter can set you apart. It's your chance to be memorable for all the right reasons.

Cons:

Time-Consuming: Writing personalized cover letters for each application can be time-consuming, especially when applying to multiple jobs.

Not Always Read: Some employers may not read cover letters, particularly if they receive a high volume of applications. In such cases, the effort put into crafting one may not yield significant benefits.

Quality Varies: Not all cover letters are well-written or impactful. A poorly written or generic cover letter can do more harm than good.

Redundancy: Sometimes, cover letters reiterate information already present in the resume, making them redundant and potentially frustrating for employers.

Expectation of Perfection: A strong cover letter is expected to be error-free, which can lead to added pressure for candidates.

Every hiring manager has a different opinion on cover letters and not all companies require them, if you are going through a recruiter, we recommend you ask if they think it will strengthen their profile!

When job hunting you may apply to several and not even give it a thought, however, what job will you pick when you get multiple offers? There are many contributing factors that you should take into consideration when deciding what job offer to accept.

The job role
It is important all requirements for the job role you have applied for excite you, even if you need training on certain programs the thought of this should make you excited for your journey. Progression in a company is important, you need to ensure the job role being offered has an opportunity for your skills and knowledge to progress, as well as your position in the company.

The company
Just because the job role sounds like a dream, doesn’t mean working for the company is. Researching the company you are considering joining is extremely important. If you are a person who reflects certain morals and values, it is crucial the company seconds that and can support you.

It is possible to look at company reviews on websites like Glassdoor and Indeed. Do not be alarmed if the company is new and does not have many reviews, this is usually the case with start-ups, if you are concerned about joining a start-up ask the hiring manager for some reassurance about their stability and what position they can see the company in a few years' time.

Benefits
The benefits of a company can be just as important as the offering salary. You need to step back at look at the whole package the company is offering you. One company may be offering £3,000 less than the other company, but this company may offer a better pension scheme, bigger Bouns' and more room for growth and progression.

Other perks to look for in a company are parking, health care, free gym memberships, maternity/paternity leave, holiday allowance, sick pay, and team activities.

Travel and WFH
Travel, hybrid working, and working from home is now a big thing to consider when applying for a job. All companies offer different ways to work, there are some jobs employees cannot physically do from home, but there are others where being on-site is not essential. You need to determine what is best for you, for some how they work is not a problem, but for others it is.