The concept of “quiet quitting” has taken the professional world by storm, sparking discussions about work-life balance and employee engagement across various industries, including the demanding fields of finance, insurance, banking, and risk. But is quiet quitting truly about quitting, or is it simply a manifestation of setting healthy boundaries?
Quiet Quitting: A Symptom, Not a Solution
Quiet quitting is often characterised by doing the bare minimum at work, avoiding extra responsibilities, and mentally disengaging. While it might seem like a way to reclaim work-life balance, it can actually be a symptom of deeper issues like burnout, lack of motivation, or feeling undervalued.
Did you know? According to a 2023 Gallup study, a staggering 90% of UK employees are quiet quitting, meaning they are not engaged with their work and are doing the bare minimum. This signifies a widespread discontent and disengagement amongst the UK workforce. In high-pressure sectors like finance and banking, this can be particularly concerning. A study by Randstad UK found that 69% of UK banking and financial services employees feel pressured to work long hours, contributing to a higher risk of burnout and quiet quitting.
Setting Boundaries: A Proactive Approach to Well-being
Setting boundaries, on the other hand, is a proactive and healthy approach to managing your well-being and achieving a sustainable work-life balance. It involves clearly defining your limits and communicating them effectively to colleagues and superiors. This might include:
- Establishing clear working hours: Sticking to your designated work hours and refraining from checking emails or answering calls outside of those times.
- Prioritising tasks: Focusing on your core responsibilities and delegating or declining tasks that fall outside your scope or exceed your capacity.
- Saying “no” when necessary: Politely but firmly declining additional tasks or requests that could lead to overwhelm or compromise your well-being.
- Taking regular breaks: Utilising your breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge, even if it’s just for a few minutes to step away from your desk.
- Utilising your vacation time: Taking your full vacation entitlement to truly disconnect from work and return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Finding Equilibrium in Demanding Industries
The finance, insurance, banking, and risk sectors are known for their demanding work cultures, long hours, and high-pressure environments. This can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. However, setting boundaries is essential for preventing burnout, reducing stress, and ensuring long-term career satisfaction and success.
Consider this: According to a 2023 report by the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), 46% of UK workers feel exhausted, and 37% feel under excessive pressure at work. In the financial sector, where the pressure is often intensified, setting boundaries is crucial for mitigating these risks.
Tips for Setting Boundaries:
- Communicate openly and transparently: Discuss your workload and capacity with your manager and colleagues, and don’t hesitate to ask for support or clarification when needed.
- Leverage technology mindfully: Utilise productivity tools and automation to streamline your workflow and free up time for more strategic tasks, but also set boundaries around technology use outside of work hours.
- Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or practising mindfulness.
- Seek support when needed: If you’re struggling to set boundaries or manage your workload, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted colleague, mentor, or career coach for guidance and support.
Cameron Kennedy: Your Partner in Achieving Work-Life Balance
At Cameron Kennedy, we recognise the importance of work-life balance across all industries, especially in demanding fields. We are dedicated to helping candidates find roles that align with their values and priorities, and we provide support and guidance on setting healthy boundaries to achieve a fulfilling and sustainable career.
Remember, quiet quitting might offer temporary relief, but setting boundaries is a long-term strategy for a successful and balanced career.