Resigning today is more than just a formal step. It is an expression of attitude, disappointment or inner resignation.
More and more people are not leaving their jobs abruptly, but are withdrawing gradually(quiet quitting) or reapplying dozens of times out of a sense of rage(rage applying).
The world of work is changing and with it the way in which employees express dissatisfaction. Not out of convenience, but because many lack meaning, appreciation or perspective. These trends are a wake-up call for companies. They call for new structures, more trust and real alternatives to the classic 9-to-5.
What does this have to do with New Work and coworking? That's exactly what this article is about.
What's behind the new forms of termination?
Nowadays, quitting doesn't necessarily mean terminating your contract, handing in your keys and saying goodbye. Quitting often begins much earlier: internally, quietly, gradually. Terms such as quiet quitting describe this withdrawal: employees only do the bare minimum. No overtime, no "I'll do this quickly". Inner resignation as a silent rebellion against constant stress and a lack of appreciation.
At the other end of the scale is rage applying: out of frustration or disappointment, people impulsively send out dozens of applications. Not out of a plan, but out of defiance.
And in between? Phenomena like:
- Bare Minimum Monday (Doing only the bare minimum on Mondays): Deliberately slowing down the start of the week to protect yourself.
- Career Cushioning (career cushioning): Take the precaution of looking for alternatives before things get serious.
- Act Your Wage (Act according to your salary): Only show as much commitment as your salary justifies.
These trends are not a fad, but an expression of underlying developments in the world of work. Generation Z in particular is asking new and critical questions about their work: they are looking for meaning, self-determination and a working environment that takes mental health seriously.
Setting healthy boundaries at work is an issue for you? Read this article to find out why your colleagues are not your family.
At the same time, the persistent excessive demands in many industries lead to emotional exhaustion - a feeling that can manifest itself in silent distancing or sudden rejection. What's more, a lack of recognition, a lack of trust or a toxic management culture can cause even committed and motivated employees to switch off internally or consciously pull the ripcord.
Those who "resign" today often do not do so from one day to the next, but in stages. And often much earlier than the system notices.
What companies are doing wrong - and what they can change
Many companies overlook the first warning signs, namely employees who turn away internally and often start to reduce their performance early and quietly.
Current figures show how widespread this behavior is: according to the Gallup Engagement Index 2024, only around 13 percent of employees in Europe are in a state of genuine motivation, in Germany only 9 percent! McKinsey adds that in the UK, around 20 to 40 percent of employees are categorized as "quiet quitters". This has a noticeable impact on productivity, innovation and absenteeism.
What can companies learn from these figures? First of all: internal resignation is not an individual failure, but has systemic causes. A lack of communication, recognition and suitable development opportunities can quickly lead to resignation.
Managers would do well to strengthen psychological security in the team, provide regular, honest feedbackand create real prospects. Mentoring programs or trust structures, as practiced in modern working models, can also have a targeted effect against inner withdrawal.
Want to find out more about an appreciative and professional feedback culture? We have compiled specific tips and methods for you in our article: Constructive feedback - how it works.
New Work as an answer - not just a buzzword, but an attitude
New Work arises where old working models reach their limits. Employees no longer want to "work", they want to help shape things. According to the Ernst & Young Job Study 2025, 60% want flexible working hours and 40% want to work from any location, but there is often a lack of trust, transparency and influence.
Clear steps are needed instead of grand visions: Working time models that adapt to life. Leadership that focuses on dialog instead of control. Results instead of presence.
New Work becomes real where companies listen and create structures that retain people. Coworking is one component of this.
Coworking spaces as a building block of modern work culture
Coworking spaces are an answer to what many employees are demanding: Freedom, structure and a professional environment - without office constraints.
Coworking spaces are the ideal middle ground, especially for hybrid teams, the self-employed or remote workers. Here, personal responsibility and flexibility meet infrastructure and exchange.
What coworking offers in concrete terms:
- Focus instead of noise: retreats and focus areas create real concentration.
- Structure for remote life: work without distraction, but also without loneliness.
- Community on request: exchange yes, small talk no.
- Service included: reception, post, cleaning, technology: everything taken care of.
The Office Club combines these elements at 16 locations in prime locations: with modern workstations, bookable meeting rooms, personal reception and flexible rates. Ideal for anyone who wants to combine freedom with reliability.
A coworking space is therefore more than just a place. It is a working principle for a time when many people are repositioning themselves for work.
Conclusion: Between retreat and departure
Quiet Quitting, Rage Applying and co. show that people are quitting differently today: quieter, faster, more consciously. Employers who don't listen will lose out.
New Work does not mean more benefits, but more trust. And coworking? Not only contemporary, but also effective: for more autonomy, concentration and a working environment that holds rather than discourages.
Flexible, focused, self-determined: With Office Club's coworking solutions, you work remotely, but not alone! Design your working life according to your ideas - in a professional environment that supports you instead of restricting you. Find an Office Club near you.
