Generation Z Reveals the Soft Resign Phenomenon in 2026
Many people think Gen Z is lazy at work. However, the opposite is true in 2026: they're tired, but they keep working. This phenomenon is known as soft resignation—not actual resignation, but a mental withdrawal from work. No drama. No resignation letters. No open conflict. The phenomenon of soft resignation in 2026 is an important issue that company leaders need to understand.
What is a Soft Resignation?
Soft resign is a condition when a person:
Keep coming to work
Keep completing tasks
But without excessive ambition, without emotional attachment
Work just “enough”, not “maximum”.
In 2026, this pattern appears most frequently in Generation Z.
Why Did This Phenomenon Appear in 2026?
1. The Reality of Work Is Not as Beautiful as Expectations
Gen Z grew up with the promise of:
Flexible work
work-life balance
career progress quickly
However, what was found:
the target continues to rise
wages are stagnant
pressure becomes smoother but consistent
Not shocked. But tired.
2. Hard work is not always directly proportional
Many Gen Zers see real-life examples:
extra work → not always appreciated
loyal → not necessarily safe
Finally a mindset emerged:
“Why give 100% if the result is the same?”
3. Burnout is considered normal
Mental fatigue is now often considered:
reasonable
fase
bagian dari proses
Padahal, burnout yang dipelihara lama-lama berubah jadi mati rasa kerja.
Soft Resign Bukan Malas
Ini penting.
Soft resign ≠ malas.
Ini lebih ke mekanisme bertahan.Gen Z memilih:
menjaga energi
membatasi ekspektasi
memisahkan hidup dan pekerjaan
Bukan karena nggak peduli, tapi karena nggak mau hancur pelan-pelan.
Dampaknya ke Dunia Kerja
Apakah Soft Resign Akan Terus Ada?
Kemungkinan besar: iya.
Selama:
beban kerja naik
daya beli melemah
keamanan kerja tidak jelas
