August Newsletter: What is “quiet quitting?”
A WORD FROM IRIS
I’m just back from a family road trip! We were three, sometimes four generations traveling around, enjoying new experiences with each other. I made awe-inspiring memories and enjoyed the time off, but what stuck with me most was the importance of rest. And not just in the usual contexts, but really holding space and being intentional, and even aggressive, about honoring that need to rest.
Work is often the biggest hurdle between us and rest. Some have tried to offer unlimited PTO – only to find that U.S. capitalism still doesn’t make it safe and acceptable to use this and other similar benefits.
Instead, leadership could consider mandatory or regularly-scheduled time off policies, or collective rest policies. Other ideas include flexible work schedules; additional paid days off for race/gender/sexuality/faith-based trauma; and set time/space to solicit and receive feedback on employee morale. How can leaders lend support during particularly dangerous and exhausting current events, especially as rights and social services are eroded?
Remember that all care and rest policies should be easily accessible for the most marginalized and/or least-paid people in your organization. Also remember to adjust your expectations. We are all human, and while rest is a primary need, some of us have more access to it than others.
NEWS TO CHEW ON
What’s implied by calling this principle “quiet quitting?”
‘Quitting the idea of going above and beyond’: TikToker says he’s ‘quiet quitting’ his job, sparking debate
The Daily Dot
Bosses don’t need to freak out about ‘quiet quitting’
CNN
TIDBIT FROM THE TOOLKIT
For a deep dive into rest and healing, consider the Radical Healing Collective.
More tools like this on a wide variety of topics are available in Our Tool Kit.
TOOLS FOR RESISTANCE
Self-care both enables us to do this work, and is part of the work itself. Try these resources:
The Nap Ministry wants you to know you are worthy of rest
QTPoC Meditation (Virtual)
