There is a new term to describe a growing disturbing trend in the workforce.
Quiet quitters.
It describes an employee who only does the bare minimum at work, fulfilling the job requirements but refusing to do any extra work. From the employee standpoint, it may allow an escape from an intolerable or hostile workplace and allow one to find a proper work-life balance. From the employer standpoint, it may require the employer to properly structure their job descriptions, comprehensively listing an overview of expected duties. It may also require the employer to re-evaluate their pay structure and incentive programs.
The legal and professional implications are problematic for both the employer and employee. At its best, it protects the employee. At its worst, it is passive-aggressive and may brand the employee as a poor worker and not a team player. Employers may even assume that an employee is a quiet quitter when their performance is subpar when in reality they may be dealing with a personal crisis. Thus, direct counseling and objective performance goals are critical to maintain effective communication between both parties.
As a Christian, I believe all Christians should strive to be exemplary employees and employers. The Apostle gave this admonition to the members of the church in Thessalonica.
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NASB)
I have been both an employee and employer. Have I always been successful in living a disciplined life as a Christian in the workplace? No. Yet, God, in His grace and mercy, gives all Christian believers the proper perspective.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
When both a Christian employer and employee understand that God is whom we are serving, all workplace relationships will fall into its proper places. As mentioned above, communication is critical and it must begin by humbling ourselves before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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