“Quiet quitting is just doing what you're paid to do”

Quiet quitting has become the workplace buzzword that's dividing offices across India and the world. But is it really quitting, or just good boundaries? The term describes employees doing exactly what their job description says – no more, no less. They clock in, complete their assigned tasks, and leave on time without taking on extra responsibilities or staying late for unpaid overtime. Supporters argue this is simply being professional and maintaining work-life balance. In India's demanding work culture, where 60-hour weeks are often normalized, quiet quitting represents a healthy pushback against exploitation. These employees believe they're being fair – delivering what they're contracted for without burning out. Why should someone work beyond their pay grade without additional compensation? On the flip side, critics see quiet quitting as a lack of ambition and team spirit. They argue that career growth comes from going above and beyond, showing initiative, and being indispensable to your organization. In competitive markets like Bangalore and Mumbai, standing out often requires that extra effort. Many managers worry this trend could hurt productivity and company culture, especially in startups where wearing multiple hats is common. The debate really boils down to expectations versus boundaries. While some view it as entitled behavior from younger generations, others see it as a necessary correction to toxic hustle culture that prioritizes work over wellbeing.