Minimalism vs Productivity Demands: Silent Resistance or Breach? Quiet Quitting Through an Employment Law Lens

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the phenomenon of quiet quitting from the context of modern employment laws where employees who will only engage in minimal work effort, thus meeting only the bare minimum expectations and disengaging from extra discretionary effort, which is often seen as a form of resistance against escalating productivity demands. It critically evaluates whether such disengagement is an act of silent resistance or a breach of employment contract. The paper examines the issue of employee rights, productivity goals, as well as the interaction of employment law, besides offering a framework for evaluating the social and legal ramifications of this trend. This is in order to comprehend how different jurisdictions handle quiet quitting and its possible repercussions for both employers and employees, the article draws on case studies, international legal perspectives, and empirical research. In addition to making sure that workplace cultures and legal frameworks change in a way that supports safe and effective working conditions, the paper offers some suggestions for addressing the root causes of silent resignation.