QUIET QUITTING - WHY AUSSIE WORKERS ARE CRACKING
Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
We’ve all heard of quiet quitting — the idea that employees are clocking off at 5, doing only what they’re paid for, and no longer going “above and beyond.” But here in Australia, it’s less about slacking off and more about survival.
Quiet Quitting isn’t laziness … it’s a signal
Here’s what’s really driving it:
The Cost of Living Crunch
Wages are flat, but everything else is climbing — interest rates, rent, electricity, even the weekly shop. Employees are stretched thin financially, and that stress is spilling over into work. When you’re worried about whether you can afford fuel or groceries, “giving 110%” at work suddenly feels impossible.
Climate Change Anxiety
Aussies live with climate change up close — floods, fires, heatwaves. Beyond the environmental impact, it creates housing insecurity, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and general anxiety about the future. That background stress chips away at resilience in the workplace.
AI & Tech Uncertainty
We’re promised efficiency, but we’re also worried about obsolescence. Workers are asking: “Will my role exist next year? What does AI mean for my career?” This fear doesn’t inspire engagement — it breeds caution and disconnection.
Workload Creep
Do more with less — the modern mantra. But boundaries are finally being drawn. Quiet quitting isn’t laziness, it’s self-preservation: “I’ll do the job I was hired for, but I’m not running myself into the ground anymore.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Quiet quitting is a warning light on the dashboard, not the problem itself. It’s telling us that workers are fatigued, stressed, and under more pressure than ever. For leaders, this is the moment to lean in — to rethink workloads, acknowledge the external stresses employees face, and foster workplaces that support rather than drain.
Because when people feel seen, safe, and supported, they don’t just show up — they stick around.
Let 'us know how your workplace is implementing change to deal with “Quiet Quitting”.
“Not slacking — just pacing the engine.”
“Don’t burn out — just change lanes.”
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Director & Consultant, Simpli-U | Provider of Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sector | Australia-wide | Solutions that are all about 'U' (Clients and Candidates)