“The Christian finds in human work a small part of the Cross of Christ and accepts it in the same spirit of redemption in which Christ accepted his Cross for us” (Pope St. John Paul II, “Laborem Exercens”).

Work/life balance is preached as the dream goal for workplace culture, but how many of us can actually achieve it? And, if we do, are we rewarded or punished for it? Do employers really encourage work/life balance in practice?

Rethinking Work/Life Balance

It’s the American way to rise and grind, but that lifestyle doesn’t leave space for a well-balanced, healthy life. This is why the conversation around “quiet quitting” is concerning. A term that’s gone viral in the last several months, “quiet quitting” is defined as a worker’s decision to do what is required by their job description and employer, setting boundaries to keep work in its place.

This is essentially work/life balance, right? So why are we looking at it negatively, as if doing what we are hired to do is somehow a form of quitting?

This narrative furthers the societal standard that we need to put our professional responsibilities above all else. Instead, we should embrace what “quiet quitting” stands for: keeping boundaries between the personal and professional parts of our lives.

To be clear, “quiet quitting” doesn’t mean doing the bare minimum. It also doesn’t mean not being a team player or going above and beyond when necessary. It does mean that from day to day, we keep work in its place, performing to the best of our abilities without sacrificing our personal needs, health (mental and physical), and relationships.

The Benefits of “Quiet Quitting”

It’s so ingrained in us that success means doing the most at all times. Even the way that studies and commentary about “quiet quitters” present them as “unengaged employees” perpetuates that narrative. According to June 2022 research by Gallup, at least 50% of the U.S. workforce are “quiet quitters.”

The drop in engagement, Gallup points out, began during the pandemic, in the second half of 2021 — a time that made many of us rethink our priorities and values. What if that 50% of American workers who are considered “quiet quitters” is the result of a cultural shift for better balanced lives? Maybe this trend that so many are labeling as alarming is actually good.

Another benefit of “quiet quitting” is its emphasis on output versus time spent. When we limit our work to our regular work hours, we are forced to finish our tasks within that time, leading to greater focus and productivity. At times in my career when I consistently worked weekends and evenings, I was less motivated to finish everything during the day, because I knew I could just make up for it later. Now, whether I have plans after work or just want to relax and disconnect, I am focused on finishing everything during the day rather than dragging it out. So, “quiet quitting” can be a good influence on your work ethic, helping you do more in less time.

Please join me in rethinking “quiet quitting.” It’s not slacking, and it’s not underperforming. It’s keeping things in their rightful place. It’s knowing when to set boundaries to make sure work doesn’t consume your life. It’s making space for what brings you joy outside of work. 

If we let it, work will easily become the priority above all else. Because there’s always more to do, there’s always unfinished business. So much of our identity and self-worth becomes wrapped up in our work and productivity. “Quiet quitting” gives us permission to let it be just one piece of the puzzle that makes up our identity.

Ultimately, our worth should come from being beloved daughters of God, giving glory to him in all things personal and professional. As St. John Berchamns said, “Our true worth does not consist in what human beings think of us. What we really are consists in what God knows us to be.”

Who knows? We may be in a hopeful time of a culture shift toward “quiet quitting” — more accurately known as work/life balance — when work isn’t who we are; it’s what we do.

Christine Warner is a marketer and writer living in Massachusetts. Her marketing experience includes working for brands like Uber, Samsung, Walgreens, and Dignity Health; she writes for publishers like Verily Magazine, Aleteia, and Brandingmag. Christine currently works for the Archdiocese of Boston as the marketing director for the development office. Connect with her on Twitter @cvwarner or on Instagram @christinevwarner.