Reverse Quite Quitting: From Bare Minimum to "All In"

“I’m here, but just barely.” Quiet quitting isn’t laziness; it’s often the result of burnout, frustration, or feeling undervalued. Employees aren’t leaving outright, but they’re disengaging, doing only the bare minimum—and this can quietly erode productivity, morale, and innovation.

According to Gallup, a U.S. analytics and advisory firm, fewer than a third of employees are fully engaged, costing companies millions. The missing link? Emotional intelligence (EQ) - a powerful way to reconnect teams and create a culture of empathy and well-being. Research shows that organizations investing in EQ can see up to a 30% boost in productivity and a 60% increase in employee retention.

Why does EQ matter?

Simple. Emotionally intelligent leaders can spot early signs of quiet quitting, address frustrations, and build an environment where employees feel valued and heard. In remote and hybrid work environments, EQ is crucial to building trust, supporting well-being, and adapting to new challenges.

Actionable Steps for Leaders

1. Test the EQ: Having your team take the Flourish EQ Test can help you identify emotional strengths and growth areas. This scientifically-backed assessment offers managers a clear view of individual and team emotional competencies, uncovering potential obstacles to productivity, communication, and collaboration. Use these insights to build a more resilient, connected, and high-performing team. Coming soon...
2. Invest in EQ Training: Equip teams with skills to connect and collaborate through platforms like Flourish, a gamified app that develops EQ with daily exercises. Designed by psychologists, Flourish uses interactive tools to help employees build self-awareness, empathy, and strong relationships, seamlessly integrating these skills into daily routines.
3. Foster Open Communication: Set up regular check-ins, encourage feedback, and prioritize active listening. This will create an atmosphere where team members can safely share thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment, helping build trust and transparency.
4. Promote Work-Life Balance: Support flexibility, encourage breaks and champion wellness initiatives that foster a balanced lifestyle. Whether through flexible hours, remote work options, or mental health days, lead by example.

Investing in these skills can transform quiet quitting into active engagement, helping everyone do their best work together and truly flourish. ??