What is Silent Development? A New Perspective on Employee Engagement
Apr 3, 2025
One of the biggest challenges companies face today is to sustain employee engagement. A decrease in engagement can directly lead to resignations or result in a more passive behavior model known as quiet quitting. Especially after a TikTok user brought this concept into the spotlight with the message "Your job is not your life," it became a global phenomenon watched by millions. In this approach, employees are fulfilling their responsibilities by putting in only minimal effort at the workplace.
At this point, it's necessary to rethink ways to increase motivation and engagement in the workplace. Quiet development emerges as a model where employees focus on their personal and professional growth at their own initiative. This approach not only supports individual job satisfaction but also serves as a strong dynamic that enhances organizational performance.
Transitioning from Quiet Quitting to Quiet Development
The pandemic fundamentally changed employees' expectations of work life. As remote and hybrid working models became widespread, companies struggled to measure employee productivity. The lack of performance management systems led to declines in job efficiency.
For employees, factors such as an imbalance between work and personal life, excessive workload, feeling unproductive, and even bullying weakened engagement. In these situations, many employees opted for the quiet quitting method instead of completely leaving their jobs: minimal effort, minimal commitment.
However, this cycle can be broken. Quiet development offers a model that rebuilds engagement by enabling employees to focus on their own potential.
Why is Quiet Development Important?
Quiet development allows employees to discover their potentials, set meaningful goals, and achieve these goals through small but steady steps. Through this approach:
Motivation increases, while burnout decreases.
As employees add more value to themselves, they create a positive atmosphere at work.
Job satisfaction and engagement naturally rise.
Individuals who inspire their teammates become catalysts for cultural transformation.
Organizational Approaches for Quiet Development
Companies can adopt the following strategies to support quiet development:
Strengthening Organizational Culture
A culture that fosters a sense of belonging increases employee engagement.
Providing Development Opportunities
Investment can be made in employee development through training, mentoring, and career programs.
Real-Time Feedback
Instead of traditional performance systems, instant feedback models can be utilized. For example, Adobe's "Check-In" program is a successful example in this area.
Aligning Goals
When individual and organizational goals are in alignment, motivation increases.
Cultural Transformation
A structure that promotes transparency, collaboration, and learning makes engagement lasting. Microsoft has successfully taken on a leadership role in this transformation.
Steps Employees Can Take for Quiet Development
Quiet development is possible not only through organizational efforts but also through individual determination. Recommendations for employees:
📝 Setting Personal Goals: Define short-term, meaningful goals.
💡 Providing Feedback: Giving constructive feedback, not just receiving it, strengthens the culture.
📖 Awareness and Continuous Learning: Learn and progress by reflecting on past experiences.
🎉 Celebrating Small Achievements: Value small wins to motivate yourself.
Examples of Quiet Development
Adobe
They succeeded in preventing quiet quitting with the real-time feedback model based on the "Check-In" application.
Microsoft
Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, they overcame low engagement issues by focusing on a culture of transparency and learning. The approach of "Dogma won't solve this problem" centered on employee development.
💬 What Do You Think?
Do you think quiet development could be a sustainable solution for employee engagement? Share your experiences and suggestions with us in the comments!
References
Karaduman, E. (2023). Analysis of Quiet Quitting on LinkedIn: Implications for Tourism and Planning. International Journal of Social and Economic Studies, 4(2), 269-284. https://doi.org/10.62001/gsijses.1405612
Yıldız, S., & Özmenekşe, Y. O. (2024). THE INEVITABLE END: QUIET QUITTING. Al Farabi International Journal of Social Sciences, 7(4), 14-24.
Caldwell, Cam & Jamali, Dima & Anderson, Verl. (2024). Quiet Quitting or Quiet Thriving
https://vogue.com.tr/leaders/quiet-thriving-sessiz-ve-derinden