“Silent Resigners or Efficient Labourers?”

Dear Editor,

I recently perused an article by Olive Keogh concerning ‘quiet quitting’ which described workers fulfilling their contractual hours as an indirect means of resignation. It was an interpretation that I found, from my initial glance, highly intricate to rationalise.

The narrative explains that employees are expected to extend additional hours, engage in extra tasks and readjust their personal-professional equilibrium to secure certain perks such as social capital, welfare, and professional advancement.

I’d like to put forward an innovative suggestion. Rather than providing insignificant rewards, should we not consider compensating employees monetarily for the extra time they dedicate to their work?

Instead of administering relaxation sessions during lunch breaks, or giving symbolical gestures with confectionery gifts, the management should respect the hard work that contributes to their business. Why not invest adequately in staff, enabling them to complete tasks within working hours and acknowledging their entitlement to a contented life beyond their workplace? Additionally, refraining from using manipulative phrases such as ‘quiet quitting’, when staff are simply adhering to their employment contract, would be a good start.

Undoubtedly, this perspective might appear progressive to seasoned managers. However, let’s remember that business metrics like KPIs (key performance indicators) do not fulfil our emotional needs or provide nourishment. Kind regards,

Shane Fitzpatrick,
Dublin 7.

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