Employees Turn to Social Media for “Loud Quitting” – A Trend with Career Consequences

A new trend has emerged in the corporate world as some disgruntled employees are resorting to “loud quitting” via social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Live. This attention-seeking behavior, though it may gain viral fame, comes with potential long-term consequences that could severely impact an individual’s career.

The phenomenon of “loud quitting” is not entirely new, but it has gained traction in the digital age, where sharing personal experiences online has become commonplace. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace Report, almost one in five employees have engaged in “loud quitting,” while the majority of disengaged workers resort to “quiet quitting,” making up 59% of the workforce.

Niki Jorgensen, managing director at Insperity, remarked that the appeal of sharing resignations on social media is a natural inclination for the digital-native generations. However, experts caution against this approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism and considering the potential repercussions on one’s career.

“Employees should begin having conversations with their managers when they feel they are becoming disengaged and take a more positive approach to make change in the workplace,” advised Jorgensen. Publicly undermining the company through “loud quitting” can burn bridges with the organization and its leadership, leading to a damaged professional reputation within the industry.

Mike Steinitz, senior executive director for Robert Half, emphasized the significance of taking the high road when resigning. Maintaining a professional approach is crucial as employees never know when they might need a reference, networking opportunities, or mentoring in their future career endeavors. By “loud quitting,” individuals risk severing ties that could prove beneficial in the long run.

To resign professionally, Jorgensen suggested setting up a meeting with the manager to discuss the resignation and providing a written notice. Employers typically expect a standard two-week notice, but any employment agreements should be reviewed to ascertain the required notice period. During the resignation meeting, it’s vital to discuss the timeline for transitioning pending work, notifying clients, or training coworkers on critical processes.

Steinitz also reminded employees to be mindful of their social media conduct. Posting about a contentious exit may have far-reaching consequences, considering that business networks can be small, and news spreads quickly within niche sectors. A graceful exit is more likely to be remembered positively by colleagues, leaving the possibility of future collaboration open.