The rise of ‘quiet quitting‘ and what it says about workers’ expectations
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Quiet quitting – the practice of doing exactly what your job description requires and nothing more – has become a major talking point in the world of work. It’s sparked debate about work-life balance, employee engagement, and the evolving relationship between employers and employees. But what exactly is quiet quitting, and why is it happening now?
the term gained traction on social media, particularly TikTok, where users began sharing videos about rejecting the hustle culture that often demands employees go above and beyond without commensurate reward. It’s not about slacking off, proponents say, but about setting boundaries and reclaiming time and energy.
“It’s really about decoupling your self-worth from your job,” says organizational psychologist dr. Ashley Whillans. “People are realizing that their jobs aren’t necessarily the place where they should be deriving all of their meaning and purpose.”
Several factors are contributing to this trend. The pandemic forced many to re-evaluate their priorities, leading to a greater emphasis on well-being and personal life.Burnout is also a significant driver, wiht many workers feeling weary and undervalued after years of increased workloads and uncertainty.
“we saw a lot of people during the pandemic step up and really go above and beyond for their organizations,” explains Gallup’s Jim Harter. “And then when things started to normalize, they didn’t see a lot of that reciprocated in terms of things like recognition, growth opportunities, or even just a thank you.”
The current labor market also plays a role. With more job openings than available workers, employees have more leverage to demand better working conditions and a healthier work-life balance.
But quiet quitting isn’t without its critics. some argue that it’s a sign of disengagement and a lack of ambition, potentially hindering career growth. Others worry it could create tension in the workplace if not addressed openly.
Experts suggest that employers can address the underlying issues driving quiet quitting by focusing on employee engagement, providing opportunities for growth and development, and fostering a culture of recognition and thankfulness.
Ultimately, the rise of quiet quitting signals a shift in worker expectations. Employees are no longer willing to sacrifice their well-being for their jobs,and they’re demanding a more balanced and fulfilling work experiance. It’s a wake-up call for employers to listen to their employees and create a work environment that values their contributions and supports their overall well-being.
Could Denmark’s Vaccine Schedule be a Model for the U.S.?
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health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy jr., a long-time vaccine critic, has made it clear he thinks American children get too many vaccines.
Earlier this month, President Trump issued a memorandum directing Kennedy and the acting director of the CDC to align the U.S.with best practices on childhood vaccine recommendations from peer nations, and it specifically mentioned Denmark. That could mean fewer shots against fewer diseases.
but critics say you can’t simply adopt another country’s vaccine schedule in the U.S., which has a very different population and different health risks.
Why Childhood Vaccination Schedules Vary So Widely Around the World
The number of diseases routinely vaccinated against in childhood differs dramatically from country to country, raising questions about what constitutes the “right” approach to immunization. Some nations, like the U.S., recommend a complete schedule, while others, such as Denmark, opt for a more limited one. this disparity isn’t arbitrary; it reflects differing public health priorities, population characteristics, and healthcare system capabilities.
“It’s like fitting a square peg in a round hole when our goal is to prevent disease,” says Josh michaud,associate director for global and public health policy at KFF.
The contrast is stark: Denmark recommends routinely vaccinating all children against just 10 diseases, while the U.S. immunization schedule previously called for universal vaccination against 17, recently reduced to 16 with the CDC dropping the hepatitis B newborn vaccination proposal.
Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases for the American Academy of Pediatrics, explains that Denmark’s schedule is shaped by a very different context than that of the U.S. “It’s like comparing a cruise ship to a kayak,” says O’Leary, a professor of pediatrics and infectious diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Different populations, different health systems
A key factor is population size. Denmark’s population of around 6 million is comparable to Wisconsin’s, a significant difference from the over 343 million people in the U.S. Moreover, Denmark lacks the racial and ethnic diversity and wide income disparities present in the U.S. These factors influence disease prevalence and vulnerability within a population.
Why Are Childhood Diseases Less Common in Denmark?
For parents, it can feel like kids are magnets for illness. But in some countries, childhood diseases are surprisingly rare. Take Denmark, for example. Rates of RSV, the flu, and even common colds are lower there than in the U.S.
So, what’s going on?
One factor is simply exposure. Danish daycares and preschools often spend a lot of time outdoors, even in cold weather. “There’s a cultural belief that fresh air is good for kids,” says Mette Vestergaard, a professor of public health at the University of Southern Denmark. “They’re bundled up and playing outside, and that reduces the spread of viruses.”
In the U.S., kids often spend more time indoors, especially during the winter, which can lead to more transmission of germs.
Another key difference is the way Denmark approaches vaccinations. They tend to be more targeted, focusing on vaccinating children at highest risk. The U.S., on the other hand, frequently enough recommends broader vaccine schedules.
“We use broader vaccine recommendations because our system can’t reliably identify and follow up with every person at risk,” says Dr. Jake Scott, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford University School of Medicine.
What’s more, Danish families get about a year of paid parental leave – between the two parents – so they can stay home with their babies, who potentially aren’t exposed to as many diseases. Plus, Denmark has free, universal health care. So for example, if an infant is hospitalized with RSV – a disease which Denmark does not routinely vaccinate against but the U.S. does – then the system will absorb the cost, so it’s not a barrier to getting care.
That’s very different from the U.S., where many people struggle to access health care, says dr.Jake Scottan infectious disease specialist at Stanford University School of Medicine.
“We have fragmented insurance, we’ve got millions uninsured, we don’t have a national health registry and we’ve got enormous gaps in the continuity of care,” Scott says. “And we use broader vaccine recommendations because our system can’t reliably identify and follow up with every person at risk.”
The U.S. also has higher rates of childhood obesity and asthma than Denmark, Scott notes, which puts those kids at higher risk of some diseases.