Is Your Team Physically Present But Mentally Checked Out?
Picture this: Your best employees are in the office, physically present, but mentally? They’ve already checked out. You’re seeing them coast through their tasks, doing just enough to get by. They used to be passionate, proactive, and engaged – but now, they’ve started to quit quietly.
A new report by Gallup reveals that 90% of employees in the UK are currently in this state of disengagement, quietly quitting their roles. Only 10% of workers feel engaged with their jobs. If you see this in your team, you’re not alone – and it’s a bigger problem than you might think.
What is Quiet Quitting and Why Is It Happening?
Quiet quitting doesn’t mean employees are handing in their notice – it means they’re disengaged, doing the bare minimum to avoid being fired, but have no energy or motivation to go beyond that. They aren’t staying late, taking on extra tasks, or contributing to meetings.
But why is this happening?
Since the pandemic, the workplace has become more demanding and stressful, with more employees juggling hybrid work, long hours, and unrealistic expectations. Many workers feel disconnected from their jobs, and when that feeling builds up, quiet quitting is often the result.
Signs you might notice in your team:
- Decreased enthusiasm: Employees no longer take the initiative or offer new ideas.
- Lack of engagement: There’s less participation in meetings and team activities.
- Dropping performance: They meet deadlines barely and without much care.
The Mental Health Link: Quiet Quitting Isn’t Just About Job Satisfaction
When employees start to quietly quit, it’s often tied to deeper mental health struggles. Maybe they’re feeling stressed, undervalued, or even burnt out. The emotional exhaustion of constantly having to perform without proper support takes its toll, and eventually, they pull back from their work.
According to the same Gallup report, 64% of UK workers say they feel emotionally detached from their jobs, and 24% describe themselves as “actively disengaged.” This is more than just a workforce issue – it’s a mental health crisis.
If left unchecked, quiet quitting hurts individual performance and can drag down an entire team’s morale and productivity. It also means you risk losing good people if they don’t start to feel supported.
How to Re-Engage Employees and Address the Root Cause
So, how do you stop quiet quitting in its tracks and get your team back on board? The answer lies in supporting your employees’ mental health and creating a workplace where people feel valued and energised.
At Elemental Prestige Wellness, we work with businesses to help identify the causes of quiet quitting and offer solutions to boost engagement and wellbeing. Here’s what we recommend:
- Open Conversations About Mental Health: Encourage a culture where employees feel safe talking about stress or mental health struggles. Simple check-ins can make a huge difference.
- Offer Practical Mental Health Support: Workshops like our Mindfulness at Work sessions help employees manage stress, find balance, and feel more connected to their work.
- Focus on Recognition and Appreciation: Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay motivated and engaged. Make sure you’re celebrating their contributions, big and small.
A Real-World Success Story: Supporting a National Charity to Boost Engagement
I recently worked with a national charity in the UK that was facing a significant issue with staff disengagement. Their team, which was passionate about the cause, had been under intense pressure for months. Many employees were quietly quitting – they were showing up but had mentally checked out, doing just enough to keep things moving but without the energy or enthusiasm they once had.
After delivering our Mindfulness at Work workshops and providing tailored resilience training, the charity saw a dramatic turnaround. Staff members began to reconnect with their purpose, and within just a few months, engagement increased noticeably. Employee participation in key initiatives jumped by 15%, and overall morale improved significantly.
The organisation’s leadership also noted that staff felt more valued and supported, which led to a much more positive working atmosphere. The charity is now thriving, with motivated employees who are once again invested in their work.
Take Action Before Quiet Quitting Becomes a Bigger Problem
If you don’t take action now, quiet quitting won’t just stay quiet. It’ll start showing up in missed deadlines, lost clients, and eventually, costly turnover. Your team needs support – and you can provide it.
Reach out to us now to learn how our Mindfulness at Work workshops and mental health programmes can help bring your team back to life and stop quiet quitting for good.
Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing
I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.
I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!
Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!
