Initially known for its short videos and entertaining content, TikTok has now become a hub for professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, transforming the way we work and connect with others in the digital landscape.
This year, in particular, has seen many work-related trends surfacing on the short-form video app such as quiet quitting, quiet firing, #QuitTok and more.
That said, here are top 10 of the biggest work trends of this year.
1. Quittok – 34.7 billion views
#quittok is a viral TikTok trend, where employees skip the process of submitting a formal resignation letter to one’s employer, as this latest trend showcases young workers live-streaming their resignations.
Rather than simply informing their bosses of their departure, these real-time resignation videos are amassing millions of views on the social media platform.
The origins of the #quittok trend remain somewhat unclear, but the concept of openly and honestly quitting a job can be attributed to TikTok user Marissa Jo, also known as @itsmarisajo.
In 2020, Jo shared a video capturing her resignation, which lasted a concise 35 seconds.
The video showed her making a phone call to her boss and captured her subsequent emotions following the conversation.
2. Rage apply – 15.4 billion views
Employees who are feeling frustrated or overlooked in their current positions are opting for “rage applying” by aggressively submitting job applications.
This term refers to the act of applying for new jobs out of anger or dissatisfaction.
Reasons for rage applying may include being passed over for promotions, feeling undervalued or under-compensated, or experiencing general frustration with the work environment.
3. Quiet quitting – 1 billion views
The TikTok trend called “quiet quitting,” unlike its name, refers to the practice of establishing boundaries in the workplace.
These boundaries typically involve not working beyond designated operating hours, focusing on completing essential tasks during work hours, and rejecting the pressures of the “hustle culture.”
The term gained popularity after TikTok user Zaid Khan posted a video explaining its meaning.
Khan said: “I recently came across this concept called quiet quitting, where you’re not explicitly resigning from your job, but you’re quitting the notion of going above and beyond. You still fulfil your duties, but you no longer subscribe to the mentality that work should consume your entire life.”
4. Career cushioning – 59.1 million views
Amid a series of tech layoffs, many individuals are actively exploring job opportunities that can offer them both professional and personal security.
To increase their chances of landing a job with another company, these employees are investing in upskilling themselves.
Additionally, workers are reaching out to their professional network to inquire about job openings and taking steps to improve their resumes.
A new trend, known as “career cushioning,” has recently surfaced on LinkedIn. This term is used to describe individuals who fall into this category of proactive job seekers.
Career cushioning often involves metaphorically protecting oneself from the pain of unexpected job loss.
5. Lazy Girl Jobs – 37 million views
Contrary to its name, the “Lazy Girl Jobs” trend includes more than simply slacking off at work.
Instead, it represents a growing movement of individuals who prioritise achieving a healthy work-life balance over adhering to the traditional 9-to-5 grind.
On TikTok, users are sharing their personal experiences of discovering flexible, remote, or part-time employment opportunities that enable them to pursue their passions and interests beyond their work commitments.
This trend is causing a significant impact in the workplace by highlighting the significance of flexibility and employee well-being.
As a result of this, companies are now reassessing their approach to work.
They are offering remote work options, as well as placing greater emphasis on outcomes rather than strictly focusing on the number of hours worked.
6. Quiet firing – 25.6 million views
The quiet quitting trend on TikTok, which prioritises employee mental health over workplace burnout, has gained significant attention in the past month, causing both employees and employers in the UAE to reassess their roles in the work environment.
However, a new term has emerged known as “quiet firing,” which is the reverse of the quiet quitting trend. Quiet firing occurs when an employer subtly coerces an employee to leave their job through malicious activities.
The term quiet firing gained prominence after TikTok influencer DeAndre Brown addressed the issue on the video-sharing platform, stating, “If you’re experiencing this, your company is taking advantage of you…”
7. Act your wage – 22.6 million views
Drawing inspiration from the phrase “acting your age,” the concept of “acting your wage” pertains to performing one’s job strictly according to the expectations outlined in the job description and not going beyond those responsibilities.
It involves putting in an amount of work that is proportional to the compensation one receives.
Those who have embraced this approach assert that it allows them to establish firmer boundaries between their professional and personal lives.
By following the tasks and duties directly associated with their salary, employees are able to strike a better balance between work and personal well-being.
8. Quiet hiring – 14.4 million views
Quiet hiring is a term used to describe the practice of employers addressing gaps or needs in the workplace without actually hiring new employees.
This is often achieved by assigning additional tasks or responsibilities to existing employees without adjusting their compensation.
As a result, it can lead to burnout and foster feelings of resentment in employees.
In addition, quiet hiring can involve reassigning workers to different roles within the company to address staffing requirements.
9. Bare Minimum Mondays – 3.9 million views
“Bare minimum Mondays” is a concept that involves easing into the work week with a relaxed approach.
Popularised by Marisa Jo Mayes, this practice has proven beneficial in overcoming Sunday anxiety, preventing burnout, and fostering a healthier work-life balance.
Mayes’ routine for “bare minimum Mondays” typically involves dedicating mornings to self-care and creative pursuits, followed by condensing work tasks into a few hours in the afternoon.
10. Resenteeism – 32,900 views
Many employees are increasingly engaging in a phenomenon known as “resenteeism,” whereby they remain in jobs that make them unhappy due to financial constraints preventing them from quitting.
This reluctance to leave a dissatisfying job stems from concerns about the uncertain job market and the fear of limited prospects elsewhere.
The term “resenteeism” is a play on the concept of “presenteeism,” which refers to employees physically being present at work but not fully engaged or productive.
A typical example of presenteeism is when individuals come to work while sick instead of taking a sick day.
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