12+ Signs Of A ‘Quiet Quitter’ In The Workplace

1. Chronic disengagement

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The world of work can be overwhelming, stressful and frustrating at the best of times, and it has become increasingly difficult for employers to maintain a steady roster of employees. A leading cause of this is 'quiet quitters' within the workplace (employers that are showcasing signs of giving up within their professional role). A quiet quitter can be identified in several ways, including: showing signs of chronic disengagement (this can be when they're working at their desk, during meetings and outside of work).

2. Performance being at minimum standards

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Another key sign of a quiet quitter, is their performance being at minimum standards. This means that they are only completing their work/general tasks to the minimum work standard (set by the employer/company). A decrease in the quality of their work performance can be slow and (oftentimes) subtle, or it can be quite a jarring change; which seems to occur rather rapidly.

3. Isolation from team members

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The next sign of a quiet quitter, is: isolation from other team members/colleagues. This form of isolation can occur within, and outside of, the workplace so if you're concerned about a colleague it is best to reach out to them. If you're trying to keep an eye out for potential isolation, here are some (potential) tell-tale signs: working longer, unsociable hours, working away from groups of colleagues and having less participation within group activities.

4. Withdrawal from non-necessary activities

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Similarly to the last point, this next sign of quiet quitting involves a lack of participation in non-necessary activities. This refers to a person withdrawing from any activities within, and outside of, the office that aren't necessary for them to participate in e.g. office outings, group discussions within the office, office day-trips, going out for lunch and/or drinks etc.

5. Lack of participation in meetings

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Meetings are another great way of identifying any quiet quitters within your workplace, as you can take note of impressive and poor participation. Quiet quitters will often be lacking in participation when it comes to work meetings, and they may seem disengaged entirely. When questioned, they may stumble over their words, and provide input that doesn't particularly relate to the topic of the meeting.

6. Other team members' workloads increasing

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Have you found that your workload has been steadily increasing, whilst a particular colleague doesn't seem as motivated for work? Then said colleague, is more than likely, a quiet quitter. As a quiet quitter's performance levels are at the bare minimum, you will find that you're constantly having to pick up the slack and double your overall workload!

7. Increase in sick-time

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Having time off of work is necessary for vacations and/or when you're feeling unwell. However, an increase in a colleague's sick-time is often a sign of them quietly quitting. This time-off may be due to unexplained 'illness', and can be sporadic over time. These sick-days will often increase in regularity, and will add up to them not appearing in the workplace for months at a time.

8. Less in-office presence

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Similarly to the last point, a decrease in in-office presence is a big indicator of a quiet quitter. This is especially recurrent within hybrid workplaces (working from home, and within the office). Again, this can be quite a subtle change within your colleague, or it can be relatively abrupt (both of which can be extremely concerning, and should be flagged/investigated by your employer).

9. Increase in negative reviews

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An increase in negative internal and external reviews, is another signaller to a quiet quitter. These reviews will often begin within the office, from other colleagues and superiors, and will eventually progress to external reviews from human resources and customers/patrons. This can lead to internal calls to the office, primary in-office discipline and potential termination of employment!

10. Lack of attendance at work socials

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It isn't uncommon for offices to have a range of social events throughout the year e.g. leaving parties for employees, halloween parties and Christmas parties. These social events are a great way to bond with your colleagues, and have some time away from the office to relax. However, if there is a particular colleague that always fails to attend these events, it's more than likely that they're becoming a quiet quitter.

11. Decrease in on-camera participation

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If you work from home, or within a hybrid work environment, you'll likely be used to having meetings etc. via online hosting sites e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype. For these meetings you will often be expected to have your webcam on, to ensure proper participation and engagement. However, if you find that a colleague/employee is consistently lacking in their on-camera participation, they're more than likely showing signs of quietly quitting.

12. Increase in complaints to HR

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A huge indicator of quiet quitting, is an increase of complaints to human resources (HR). Having complaints sent to HR is sometimes a necessary practice, to ensure the maintenance of a company's performance (by terminating employment for underachieving employees). An increase in this type of complaint, often means you have one or more quiet quitters within your workplace!

13. Cynical attitude

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Your general work ethos and attitude are essential to the maintenance of your performance standards, and this can be seriously affected if your attitude and/or work ethic drastically changes. A cynical work attitude is another strong indicator of a quiet quitter, and can be drastic to the performance and work ethic within the office and overall company. The best way to deal with this, is by speaking to the colleague(s) displaying this attitude, and trying your best to get to the root of the change in their behaviour.

14. Struggle sticking to deadlines

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Deadlines and strict time-frames are a foundational element of any workplace, and meeting said deadlines, are a key part of meeting the required working standards set by your employer. Constant failure to meet said deadlines, and overall poor time-management, are strong indicators of a quiet quitter. These attributes and work behaviour, will often lead to meetings with your superiors, and in some cases, termination of employment.

15. Showcasing burnout

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Burnout within the workplace has seen a steady increase over the last couple of years, and there are a range of factors that contribute to it (many of which are include on this list). If one of your colleagues is showcasing signs of burnout, it is more than likely, that they are entering the realm of quiet quitting. Some signs of burnout to look out for, include: lack of motivation, exhaustion, amplified anxiety and bad regulation of emotions.

16. Poor teamwork

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As mentioned previously, quiet quitting can be detrimental to the progression and work ethic of your entire workforce. Having one or more quiet quitters within the workplace, will often lead to poor teamwork, which can majorly disrupt the overall office dynamic. It is important to nip this sort of behaviour in-the-bud, as this will prevent the decline of employees' positive attitude and work ethic.

17. Lack of enthusiasm

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One of the primary indicators of a quiet quitter, is a lack of enthusiasm for work. This lack of enthusiasm can present itself in a plethora of ways, including: general disengagement from in-office activities, decline in a positive attitude and constant complaints about what is expected of them. A lack of enthusiasm is often the start of someone becoming a quiet quitter, and the sooner it is dealt with, the better it is for them and others.

18. Having a 'That's not my job' attitude

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Going back to a minimum performance level, you will often find that a colleague may also be showcasing a 'that's not my job' attitude. This particular attitude can be vastly damaging for the individual, and other colleagues, as it decreases overall office productivity and creates ripples within working relationships. If one of your colleagues is displaying this kind of attitude, it is best to notify your employer, and find the most effective way to deal with it.

19. No interest in career progression

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Career progression is an important part of any job, and is often incentive to remain with one company/employer. A disinterest and/or desire in potential career progression, is often a signal of a quiet quitter. A quiet quitter will often try to avoid any discussions regarding their potential career progression, and will showcase little-to-no initiative when it comes to improving their professional standing/position.

20. Display chronic pessimism

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If one of your colleagues/employees is displaying signs of chronic pessimism, this can be a side-effect of quiet quitting. As the individual is lacking motivation, and a positive can-do attitude, they will often find it easier to have a more pessimistic mindset, both professionally and personally. A pessimistic attitude can be difficult to manage, if it is given ample time to worsen, so it should be dealt with immediately!

21. Seem withdrawn

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As mentioned previously, personal and professional withdrawal are a major signifier of quiet quitting. Withdrawal is often one of the more subtle signs of quiet quitting, and will worsen over time. If someone seems withdrawn, it is more than likely, that they are; and you should make the effort to reach out to them. The best way to tackle withdrawal, is by having a conversation with the person affected, and offer them a person to speak to.

22. Acting disinterested

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Similar to chronic disengagement and withdrawal, is someone acting disinterested. This way of acting can be showcased in a range of ways, and may be amplified by certain situations e.g. meetings and other networking events. Acting disinterested will often be interpreted as rude, and extremely unprofessional by other work colleagues, and can lead to an increase in in-office complaints.

23. Difficulty contacting them

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Another tell-tale sign of quiet quitting, is difficulty contacting said employee(s). This means that you have trouble when phoning them, emailing them and just generally trying to communicate with them. Their replies may be non-existent or extremely sporadic; to the point where its infuriating and affecting the progression of projects/general work within the office.

24. Not showing initiative

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An increasing lack of initiative can be detrimental to a workplace, as it disrupts the flow of work and general office ethos. It can be extremely frustrating for fellow colleagues, and superiors, as it places strain on the other individuals within the office (especially when it comes to everyones' workload, and levels of teamwork). It is best to communicate with any disruptive individuals about their lack of initiative, and ensure that they understand the severity of the situation.

25. Avoid feedback

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Feedback and periodic check-ins are essential to a thriving workplace, and strong working relationships. A quiet quitter will often try their best to avoid receiving any kind of feedback, and when they do receive feedback, they react and respond in an unprofessional manner e.g. becoming confrontational, complaining about the feedback they've been given to other colleagues and having no interest in taking said feedback 'onboard'.

26. They take, but don't give

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A particularly toxic attribute of a quiet quitter is their interest in taking, but their complete inability to give back. This is in reference to helping around the office, and providing fellow colleagues with their services. You will often find that they are quick to seek help, and use other colleagues for their professional insight, but they are nowhere to be seen when it comes to their colleagues seeking help.

27. Not connected to the business purpose

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The majority of businesses/companies will have a foundational purpose or 'mission' that employees work towards within their professional life. You will often be reminded of the company's purpose during meetings, and at other periodic points throughout the year. For a company to thrive, it is important for its employees to be connected to the foundational purpose/'mission', and if one or more aren't, this is a clear sign of quiet quitting!

28. Undermine others behind their back

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Another toxic trait of a quiet quitter, is their constant undermining of colleagues (usually behind their backs). This kind of behaviour is completely unprofessional, and can be detrimental to the development of working relationships and/or operation of the company as a whole. If you come across a colleague behaving this way, it is best to notify your superiors, so they can handle the behaviour swiftly and efficiently.

29. Quick to blame others

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Yet another toxic attribute of a quiet quitter, is their constant blame-pushing. This is in reference, to them trying to pass the blame for difficulties onto other colleagues. This will often range from smaller inconveniences, to bigger more disruptive situations. They may be called-out for this behaviour, or it can be left to worsen; in which case, you should be notifying your superiors as soon as possible!

30. Increase in a toxic work environment

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A great way of identifying one or more quiet quitters within the workplace, is by deciphering whether or not your work environment has become increasingly toxic. There are a range of signs you can look out for, that may be affecting you and/or other colleagues. These signs can include (but aren't restricted to): bad communication, poor leadership, stifled growth, rapid employee turnover and no work-life balance.