'Quiet quitting' could be hitting the economy - here's why

A recent report by the Resolution Foundation suggests that the "quiet quitting" trend may be negatively impacting the UK economy. This phenomenon, where employees complete their job duties but refrain from going above and beyond, has led to a decline in overall productivity. According to Hannah Slaughter, a principal economist at the thinktank, this trend has contributed to the productivity slump since the pandemic.

Quiet quitting gained popularity on social media after the pandemic, with workers expressing their dissatisfaction over high demands, low pay, and deteriorating living standards. The trend involves employees fulfilling their basic job responsibilities without going beyond their call of duty. They prioritize work-life balance and avoid taking on additional tasks or working outside of regular hours.

The Resolution Foundation's report reveals a concerning trend: the percentage of workers willing to go the extra mile for their employer has dropped from 69% in 2015 to 55% in 2025. Furthermore, only one-in-four workers expressed dissatisfaction with their roles, the lowest level on record. Additionally, fewer workers find their jobs interesting, with 63% of respondents stating so, down from 74% in 2015.

The shift in worker commitment may have played a role in the slower productivity growth since the financial crisis, which weakened again after the pandemic. Sir John Curtice, a politics professor and co-editor of the report, noted that the findings do not imply that young people are more work-shy or that workers are becoming more reluctant to change jobs. However, he emphasized the importance of employers providing financially rewarding roles with flexible work hours to fully engage workers in their jobs.