A Leaders Guide

In the modern workplace, leaders must be aware of the subtle cues that signal an employee disengaging – a behaviour referred to as “silent” or “quiet” quitting. Unlike an obvious resignation, silent quitting occurs when employees mentally check out, disheartened by various factors that reduce their commitment to the company.

In the era of remote work, leaders face an extra challenge in identifying signs of silent quitting among their distributed teams. The absence of physical presence makes it imperative for leaders to be attuned to subtle cues that may indicate disengagement.

Here’s what to look out for:

Decreased Visibility

An obvious reduction in putting their camera on or offering opinion
Refusing to go into the office when the rest of the team are in

Decreased Initiative

Observable decline in proactivity and initiative
Minimal or no contribution beyond routine responsibilities

Withdrawal from Social Activities or Collaboration

Reluctance to participate in team discussions or collaborative projects
Limited interaction with colleagues, both professionally and socially

Lack of Innovation

Diminished enthusiasm for proposing and implementing new ideas
A decline in creativity and problem-solving efforts

Deteriorating Quality of Work

Noticeable decrease in the quality and thoroughness of completed tasks.
Frequent errors or oversights in work that was previously meticulous.

Increased Absenteeism

Unexplained absences or a rise in the frequency of sick leave
Disengaged employees may use time away as a form of escape

Negative Attitude

A shift in demeanor marked by increased cynicism or pessimism
Lack of enthusiasm for company goals or achievements

Strategies to Reignite Engagement

More Open Communication

Encourage regular feedback sessions to address concerns
Create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts

Offer Enhanced Professional Development

Invest in continuous learning and skill development
Show a commitment to employees’ long-term growth within the company

Acknowledge and Reward Contributions

Recognise and celebrate individual and team achievements
Implement a rewards system that reinforces positive behaviors

Offer More Responsibility

Assign exciting, larger projects to try and re-engage employees
Assign tasks with added visibility in the company to make the employees feel valued

Promote Work-Life Balance

Support flexible work arrangements when feasible
Recognise the importance of employees’ well-being beyond work

Clarify Expectations

Clearly communicate roles, responsibilities, and expectations
Ensure employees understand how their contributions align with overall company

Address Issues Promptly

Respond swiftly to signs of dissatisfaction or disengagement
Work collaboratively to find solutions to underlying problems

Cultivate a Positive Company Culture

Encourage a culture of trust, respect, and inclusivity
Encourage a sense of belonging and shared purpose among the team

Recognising the signs of silent quitting requires an astute leadership. By addressing these indicators quickly and implementing strategies to boost engagement, leaders can create a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and committed to achieving shared goals.