**Silent Quitting in Healthcare: An Underlying Issue**

In the bustling realm of healthcare, an alarming trend known as “silent quitting” is surfacing among highly qualified professionals. Suhaib J. S. Ahmad, a gastrointestinal surgeon, recently offered his perspectives on this issue during an interview on The Podcast by KevinMD. Silent quitting denotes capable and passionate healthcare workers withdrawing from their duties without apparent grievance. This phenomenon isn’t merely a consequence of systemic shortcomings or inadequate leadership but is fundamentally entrenched in dysfunctional organizational environments lacking clear values, effective communication, and transparency in leadership.

Suhaib posits that in numerous healthcare environments, a prevailing culture of mediocrity and toxicity has taken root, leaving employees feeling unappreciated and ignored. This creates an atmosphere where staff, while physically present, are mentally and emotionally disconnected from their positions. The urgent problem spans all tiers of healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom, as Suhaib notes—a trend reflected on a global scale, including the United States.

Silent quitting is difficult to identify since employees frequently continue executing their daily tasks, yet their zeal and commitment have diminished. The underlying factors are complex, encompassing poor workplace dynamics and leaders who are detached from the realities faced by frontline workers. Suhaib asserts that genuine change necessitates proactive leadership that interacts directly with staff, akin to historical figures who inspired through action rather than top-down mandates.

To tackle this dilemma, Suhaib recommends transitioning from simply managing a survival mindset to cultivating cultures of collective development and unified vision. He urges leaders to engage proactively with their teams, listen to their concerns, and foster open conversations. A straightforward yet impactful question he champions is: “What don’t we discuss around here that we should be discussing?” This could inspire vital conversations and promote more transparent communication, aiding in the alignment of organizational objectives with individual aspirations.

For employees trapped in settings where they feel confined, Suhaib counsels seeking healthier workplaces where they can actively engage or strategically addressing workplace challenges. He stresses that nurturing an environment where employees feel acknowledged, listened to, and valued is essential for retention and motivation.

With proactive involvement and a dedication to fostering positive workplace cultures, healthcare organizations can reverse the silent quitting trend, securing both provider satisfaction and quality patient care.