FACTORS AFFECTING QUIET QUITTING BEHAVIOR: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF GENERATION Z EMPLOYEES IN EDUCATION SECTOR IN HYDERABAD

Abstract

Quiet quitting has gained increasing attention as a contemporary workplace phenomenon, particularly among Generation Z employees; however, empirical evidence from Pakistan’s education sector remains limited. This qualitative study explores the personal and professional factors influencing quiet quitting behavior among Generation Z employees working in private educational institutions in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and an inductive approach, the study adopts a phenomenological research design to capture participants’ lived experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with nine Generation Z educators selected using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework with the support of Atlas.ti software. The findings reveal four key themes contributing to quiet quitting: erosion of work–life boundaries, economic devaluation and inadequate compensation, low organizational support and work environment, and rejection of hyper-productivity in favor of personal well-being. The results suggest that quiet quitting is a deliberate coping mechanism rather than a lack of commitment, driven by unmet expectations and emotional exhaustion. The study offers context-specific insights and practical implications for educational institutions seeking to improve employee engagement, well-being, and retention among Generation Z employees.