Examining Quiet Quitting as a Coping Mechanism for Burnout: Comparing Healthcare and Non-healthcare Professions

Quiet quitting is characterised by disengagement from work, where workers limit their work contributions to the bare minimum. This phenomenon seems to become more and more common, consequently increasing academic interest on the topic. Although research on quiet quitting is expanding, its potential role in moderating burnout has not been studied. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are particularly relevant in this matter because of their vulnerability to burnout. No study this far explored how HCP compare to other professional groups (non-HCP) in regard to quiet quitting and burnout. This study evaluated the moderating role of quiet quitting on the relationship between work demands (workload), work resources (perceived organizational support) and burnout, comparing HCP to non-HCP. We hypothesised that HCP would experience higher levels of burnout and similar levels of quiet quitting compared to non-HCP and that quiet quitting would moderate the relationship between workload,...Show moreQuiet quitting is characterised by disengagement from work, where workers limit their work contributions to the bare minimum. This phenomenon seems to become more and more common, consequently increasing academic interest on the topic. Although research on quiet quitting is expanding, its potential role in moderating burnout has not been studied. Healthcare professionals (HCP) are particularly relevant in this matter because of their vulnerability to burnout. No study this far explored how HCP compare to other professional groups (non-HCP) in regard to quiet quitting and burnout. This study evaluated the moderating role of quiet quitting on the relationship between work demands (workload), work resources (perceived organizational support) and burnout, comparing HCP to non-HCP. We hypothesised that HCP would experience higher levels of burnout and similar levels of quiet quitting compared to non-HCP and that quiet quitting would moderate the relationship between workload, organizational support and burnout for both groups. A survey was distributed online, including standardized scales for all variables. Participants were recruited through contacting organisations and posting on social networks. The final sample consisted of 78 participants. Statistical analyses were conducted with a significance level of ⍺=0.05. Independent t-tests showed HCP experienced significantly higher burnout than non-HCP. However, quiet quitting did not differ significantly between groups. Moderation analyses indicated quiet quitting did not moderate workload’s effect on burnout nor perceived organizational support’s effect on burnout. These results highlight the need to explore alternative coping strategies for work-related stress across professions.Show less

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Examining Quiet Quitting as a Coping Mechanism for Burnout: Comparing Healthcare and Non-healthcare Professions