The usual new HR buzzwords – or do people think differently about the workplace?

“Only minimum Mondays”, “Conscious quitting”, “quiet quitting” and “Career cushioning The usual new HR buzzwords – or do people think differently about the workplace?

Employees’ expectations of work and employers have changed in recent years, and especially during the pandemic. Several workplace trends have been identified, and some of the most talked about include ‘Just minimum Mondays’, ‘Conscious quitting’, ‘quiet quitting’ and ‘Career cushioning’

“Conscious quitting” and “quiet quitting” refer to a trend where employees consider quitting their jobs if the company’s values and practices do not match their own. This has been seen particularly among Generation Z and 2000-year-old workers, who value meaningful work and want to work for companies that are in line with their own values. This can have a major impact on employers who have to adapt to these changes in the labor market.

One of the trends mentioned is “Conscious quitting”, which refers to a growing tendency among workers to quit their jobs if the company does not align with their personal values and beliefs. “Conscious quitting”, has been highlighted in the Net Positive Employee Barometer. This is a survey that included more than 4,000 workers in the US and UK. The survey showed that about half of American respondents would consider quitting their job if the company’s values did not align with their own. Additionally, 44 percent of U.S. Gen Z and Millennial respondents said they would be willing to take a pay cut to work for a company that aligns with their values.

The term “quiet quitting” is commonly used to describe a situation where an employee quits work without notifying management or colleagues. This can happen for several reasons, for example if the person feels frustrated or dissatisfied with the work environment or has found another job without wanting to create drama or unpleasant situations in the workplace.“Quiet quitting” can be problematic for employers because it can be difficult to replace an employee without warning, especially if they have important roles or special skills that are difficult to replace immediately. It can also lead to lower morale among the remaining employees and can create unrest in the working environment.

It is important for employers to maintain good communication and transparency with their employees to prevent “quiet quitting” . This can include regular communication about the work environment and any problems that may arise, as well as offering career opportunities, flexibility and other benefits that can increase employee well-being and engagement in the workplace.

“Quiet firing” is a workplace trend in which managers ignore employees’ requests for raises or promotions in the hope that they will choose to quit on their own. In this way, the company can avoid having to dismiss employees and pay out severance pay or other financial benefits.

This can be an inappropriate practice that leads to poor morale and low motivation among employees, and can also create a bad reputation for the company. It is important for employers to handle such situations in a professional and respectful manner, by communicating clearly and clearly about what is expected of employees and what is possible to achieve within the company’s framework. If employees are not receiving the expected rewards or opportunities for advancement, management should be willing to discuss the reason and provide clear feedback to help employees improve their performance or understand what expectations are realistic.

“Minimum Only Mondays” is another trend that has become popular, where employees come to work on Mondays only to do what is necessary to get through the day. This may be due to a lack of motivation and commitment to the work, or as a reaction to a lack of recognition from the employer. This trend can also have a negative impact on productivity and morale in the workplace.


Finally , “Career cushioning” is a term that refers to taking measures to prepare for possible job losses or career changes. This may involve looking for alternative jobs or career opportunities while still employed, or building up a financial cushion to protect against a loss of income in the event of a layoff or layoff.


Taking such precautions has become increasingly important for workers in today’s unpredictable economy, especially with the pandemic’s impact on the labor market and frequent corporate restructuring. By practicing career mitigation, workers can reduce the risk of being trapped out of a job and financial instability, while also allowing them to explore new career opportunities and expand their skills and networks.


Taken together, these workplace trends show that workers expect more from employers than just financial rewards. In addition to these trends, the pandemic has also played a role in changing people’s view of work. Many have been forced to work from home and to adapt to new working conditions, which has led to many thinking differently about work and what they expect from employers.


Overall, these trends show that employees are becoming increasingly aware of values and purpose, and that they want to work for companies that share their values and are committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. Employers who do not take into account these trends and the needs of their employees risk losing valuable talent and falling behind in the talent war.

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