Re-Engaging an Employee Who Has Quietly Quit

“Quiet quitting” doesn’t mean an employee has stopped working—it means they’ve disengaged, lost motivation, or no longer go beyond the bare minimum. But here’s the good news: With the right leadership approach, quiet quitters can be re-engaged and reinspired.

Steps to Reignite Engagement

🔹 Identify the Root Cause
Before assuming why an employee has disengaged, ask. Quiet quitting often stems from burnout, lack of growth, feeling undervalued, or unclear expectations. A one-on-one conversation with open-ended questions can uncover the real issue.

🔹 Rebuild Trust & Psychological Safety
Employees disengage when they don’t feel heard or valued. A leader’s role is to create a space where employees feel safe to express concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation.

🔹 Reconnect Them to Purpose
People are more engaged when they see meaning in their work. Remind the employee how their contributions impact the team, customers, or the bigger picture. A simple, “Your work really makes a difference because…” can be powerful.

🔹 Provide Growth & Development Opportunities
Lack of career growth is a top reason for quiet quitting. Ask:
✔️ “What skills do you want to develop?”
✔️ “Where do you see yourself in a year?”
Then, align their work with new challenges, learning opportunities, or mentorship.

🔹 Recognize & Appreciate Effort
Employees disengage when they feel invisible. Public or private recognition for their work, progress, or attitude can reignite motivation. A genuine “thank you” goes a long way.

🔹 Evaluate Workload & Burnout Risks
Some employees disengage because they’re mentally exhausted. Leaders should assess whether expectations are reasonable and provide support, flexibility, or time to recharge if needed.

🔹 Encourage Autonomy & Ownership
Micromanagement kills engagement. Give employees control over their work, allowing them to take ownership and make decisions. Autonomy breeds motivation.

Final Thought

Quiet quitting is often a symptom, not the problem. Great leaders don’t punish disengagement—they diagnose it, address it, and reignite the spark. With the right approach, a disengaged employee can become one of your most motivated team members.

💡 Need help creating a highly engaged workforce? Contact Martin and Foster Consulting today to learn how our leadership strategies can transform your team!