New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- Back in 2022, the World Economic Forum drew attention to a workplace trend called 'quiet quitting'. The term, which went viral on TikTok, was largely popularised by Gen Z employees and refers to the idea of doing your job without letting it take over your life. It does not mean actually quitting a job. Instead, it is about sticking to the responsibilities outlined in your role without constantly going the extra mile, putting in additional hours or taking on work beyond what is expected. The timing was crucial. The world was just emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, which had left many employees struggling with burnout, stress and declining workplace engagement. People had begun questioning the idea of making their jobs the centre of their lives. And what started as a social media conversation soon became a larger workplace phenomenon.
The trend has since travelled to India, where employee disengagement is becoming increasingly visible. According to Gallup's latest research, employee engagement among India's workforce fell to 23 per cent in 2025, its lowest level in four years. Interestingly, even managers, who have traditionally been among the most engaged professionals in corporate organisations, are feeling the fatigue. Manager engagement in India dropped by nine percentage points from 39 per cent in 2024, while individual contributors saw a five-point decline.
The reasons go beyond workplace stress. Rapid technological changes, uncertainty around jobs and the growing dependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) have all contributed to a sense of insecurity among employees. However, there is also a generational shift that organisations cannot afford to ignore. Unlike Gen X and millennials, who often equated professional success with long working hours, loyalty to one organisation and climbing the corporate ladder, younger employees are increasingly conscious of their mental well-being. They want to do well professionally, but not at the cost of their personal lives.
In fact, Gen Z is taking this idea a step further with another emerging workplace trend: 'conscious unbossing'. Simply put, it means deliberately choosing not to pursue managerial or leadership positions. Now, for those who grew up believing that a promotion, a bigger designation and a corner office were the ultimate signs of career success, this might sound rather unusual. Why would anyone turn down a leadership role, along with the perks and pay hike that come with it?
But the younger workforce does not necessarily see things that way. A study by UK-based talent solutions firm Robert Walters, cited by the Centre for Leadership Studies, found that 69 per cent of Gen Z employees view leadership positions as stressful, involving considerable time and effort for relatively little reward. For many, the additional responsibilities simply do not justify the personal sacrifices.
The traditional career ladder, after all, does not hold the same appeal it once did. Baby boomers, Gen X and, to a large extent, millennials were more comfortable building long careers within one organisation, gradually moving up the hierarchy. Gen Z, on the other hand, is more interested in growth than designations. They want opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and have an influence at work without necessarily becoming managers. For them, career progression need not always mean moving upwards; sometimes, moving sideways or acquiring new skills can be equally rewarding.
Is polyworking the way forward?
Another trend gaining ground in this uncertain job market is 'polyworking'. Think of it as an upgraded version of the side hustle. Instead of relying on a single source of income, professionals are increasingly taking up multiple jobs or assignments simultaneously. With AI transforming job roles and layoffs becoming an everyday concern, having more than one source of income is also emerging as a way of protecting oneself against financial uncertainty.
A Monster survey in 2025 found that 47 per cent of workers currently polywork in the US, while 51 per cent said the additional income was essential. The survey also revealed that 49 per cent balance a full-time job with one or more part-time roles. While 65 per cent said they needed the extra money to meet basic living expenses, 47 per cent were looking for greater financial independence and flexibility. Another 34 per cent admitted that they did not feel secure in their primary jobs and wanted an additional financial safety net.
Clearly, the idea of having just one job and building an entire career around it is being challenged. Recruiters and workplace experts increasingly believe that portfolio careers, where professionals combine multiple roles, projects and income streams, could become more common. For younger employees, this is not necessarily about working harder or longer. It is also about having greater control over their time, finances and career choices.
As AI continues to reshape industries, job descriptions and organisational structures, the workplace is undergoing a fundamental change. Gen Z and even the emerging Gen Alpha workforce are growing up acutely aware of how technology could affect their career prospects.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.