Working hard or hardly working. A critical discourse analysis of the quiet quitting phenomenon in the past decade.

Abstract: The concept of "quiet quitting," characterized by employees merely fulfilling minimum work requirements without going above and beyond, gained widespread attention on TikTok in 2022, however, the behavior existed before this. Surveys suggest that Sweden is one of the countries where quiet quitting is most prominent in the workforce. This research delves into the discourse surrounding quiet quitting behaviors over the past decade in the Swedish managerial magazine Chef, with the aim of revealing underlying values and norms embedded in the discussions of employee conduct. Employing an archival and documentary study, we meticulously analyzed all Chef publications since 2010, isolating articles pertinent to the subject. Employing critical discourse analysis coupled with theories on empty labor and counterproductive work behaviors, our findings delineate a notable shift in the dialogue around quiet quitting. Initially centered on performance and outcomes, contemporary discussions emphasize quiet quitting as a means to enhance well-being and foster a healthier work-life balance. We argue that this contributes to the understanding of quiet quitting in Sweden, and how it has become so prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining a critical perspective on the phenomenon.