'Quiet Quitting' and 'Bare Minimum Mondays' Aren't Mere Trends; They are now Shaping Workplaces

The modern workplace has been changing ever since the pandemic forced employers and employees to adapt to remote work. This also meant that things like work-life balance and working hours were redefined, as a young new workforce took over. With trends like "Quiet Quitting" and "Bare Minimum Mondays" reflecting what millennial and Gen Z professionals look for, firms are focusing on employee well-being to increase productivity. Coined online by career coaches, HR professionals, and the younger workforce, particularly millennials and Gen Z, these trends signify a departure from the traditional hustle culture.

Quiet Quitting: An unsettling phenomenon in corporate America

The term quiet quitting gained traction in late 2022, and doesn't have anything to do with a resignation, but instead it describes the phenomenon where employees choose to do the amount of work, which is just enough to keep their job. Initially surfacing in a TikTok video by career coach Brian Creely, this trend prompted discussions among HR leaders and executives. Many employers are taking proactive steps to address or prevent this trend, such as meetings for employee check-ins, more stay interviews, and ongoing support.

Bare minimum mondays: Redefining productivity

To ward off Monday blues, "Bare Minimum Mondays" has gained popularity as a means to prevent burnout. Employees, especially those on platforms like TikTok, are reshaping their workweeks by prioritizing 3 to 5 tasks on Mondays, saving more time-intensive work for later in the week. For many firms acknowledging and endorsing the trend, this shift in mindset is about granting permission to take things slow at the beginning of the week, so that energy can be preserved for more demanding tasks later on.

Companies embracing TikTok trends for employee happiness

Real-world examples showcase how organizations are integrating TikTok-inspired trends into their workplace culture, leading to positive outcomes. One employee working remotely recounts how her manager not only knew about Bare Minimum Mondays but also apologized on busier Mondays. Marisa Jo Mayes, the TikTok creator who popularized the trend, receives numerous messages from individuals sharing similar stories of their bosses embracing Bare Minimum Mondays as a team agreement.

HR strategies for navigating the trend-driven workplace

Julie Kantor notes that managers, even at Fortune 500 companies, are expressing genuine concern about employee stress levels. She emphasizes that organizations truly invested in their employees' well-being and development are likely to thrive in the long run, even if these online trends initially seem unconventional or whimsical, they are essential to read the pulse of the workforce.

Adapting for long-term organizational success

As companies navigate the evolving workplace landscape shaped by TikTok trends, the key lies in adaptation. The once-silent revolution of quiet quitting and the more strategic approach of bare minimum Mondays, are not mere fads but indicative of a broader desire for work-life balance and mental well-being. Organizations that actively engage with these trends, implementing strategies to address and leverage them, are likely to foster a more content, engaged, and productive workforce. In the dynamic world of work, it's the companies willing to embrace change and prioritize their employees' evolving needs that will stand out as leaders in the years to come.