Nearly 45% of Japanese Full-Time Workers Engage in Quiet Quitting, Mynavi Survey Finds

A survey conducted by Mynavi, a Japan-based job-matching company, revealed that 45% of full-time employees in Japan identify as “quiet quitters,” workers who perform only the minimum required tasks. The survey, released last week, included 3,000 respondents aged 20 to 59 and showed that 46.7% of those in their 20s reported adopting this approach, indicating a trend among younger workers prioritizing work-life balance.

The survey identified four primary reasons for quiet quitting in Japan: dissatisfaction with workplace alignment to personal goals, inadequate evaluation by employers, prioritization of cost-benefit balance in jobs where promotions demand excessive time or effort, and indifference toward career progression. Approximately 60% of self-identified quiet quitters expressed satisfaction with the practice, particularly in managing their time during and outside work hours, with over 70% intending to continue.

Quiet quitting, a term that gained traction in the U.S. in 2022 via TikTok, describes employees fulfilling job requirements without pursuing additional efforts for promotions or salary increases. A 2023 Gallup report noted that 59% of global employees engage in this practice. In Japan, 38.9% of human resources officials surveyed by Mynavi viewed quiet quitting positively, recognizing diverse work styles, while 32.1% expressed concerns about its impact on organizational morale.

The survey also noted the emergence of “revenge quitting,” where workers leave jobs dramatically to express frustrations over low wages or limited advancement opportunities. A January 2025 Software Finder survey indicated that 4% of U.S. full-time employees are considering this approach, suggesting a growing global trend.

Mynavi’s researcher Akari Asahina stated that quiet quitting reflects evolving workplace values, urging companies to adapt by offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse employee priorities.