Forget quiet quitting: Is 2025 the year of “revenge quitting”?
Post on March 12, 2025
First, it was quiet quitting. Then came rage applying. Now, revenge quitting is taking centre stage in 2025, shaking up traditional workplace norms in a big way. Unlike quiet quitting – where employees disengage but stay put – revenge quitting is loud, deliberate, and often very public. From viral resignation videos to workplace call-outs, this trend sees employees quitting not just to leave, but to make a statement. At the heart of this shift? Gen Z. The generation that’s redefining the workplace isn’t just walking away from bad jobs; they’re making sure everyone knows why.
But why is revenge quitting on the rise, and what does it mean for the future of work? Let’s dive in.
What is revenge quitting, and why is it gaining momentum?
Employees are resigning in protest, calling out toxic workplaces, unfair treatment, or unkept promises. Many are taking to TikTok, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to share their stories, exposing companies they feel have treated them poorly. A recent study by Software Finder found that 17% of employees have engaged in revenge quitting, with 25% predicting it will happen in their workplace this year. In Europe, the so-called “Great Resignation 2.0” is in full swing, driven largely by millennials and Gen Z workers who refuse to settle for jobs that don’t align with their values.
Unlike traditional resignations, revenge quitting is about holding employers accountable. Employees don’t just exit quietly but leave with a message, one that’s often amplified by social media. The rise of revenge quitting isn’t happening in isolation. It’s a direct response to workplace conditions, changing employee expectations, and the evolving role of social media in work culture.
Also read: Find your space, find your pace: Channeling quiet thriving
1. Gen Z is changing the quitting game
As a generation, Gen Z prioritise mental health, fair pay and a workplace that aligns with their values. When these expectations aren’t met, they make sure their voices are heard. Platforms like TikTok’s “Quit-Tok” trend have given employees a stage to air their grievances, from dramatic “I quit” moments to behind-the-scenes stories of workplace toxicity. These viral resignations don’t just serve as personal catharsis, but spark wider discussions about workplace rights and culture.
2. Employees are fed up with toxic workplaces
A major driver of revenge quitting? Toxic work environments. Whether it’s burnout, discrimination, micromanagement, or unkept promises, employees are refusing to tolerate poor treatment. And in 2025, they have the tools to fight back. Glassdoor and LinkedIn have become platforms for workplace accountability, with employees leaving detailed reviews of their experiences. Some even share resignation letters or final emails as a way of publicly confronting their employers.
3. The power of public quitting
Viral quitting stories often attract thousands – even millions – of views, turning individual grievances into larger discussions about the state of work in 2025. For many employees, revenge quitting isn’t just about personal justice—it’s about warning others. A single viral post can dent a company’s reputation, making businesses rethink how they treat employees.
How should workplaces respond?
For businesses, revenge quitting isn’t just an HR issue; it’s a brand risk. A dramatic resignation can spread across social media in hours, impacting recruitment and company culture. So how can employers respond?
1. Create a workplace people want to stay in
The best way to prevent revenge quitting is to build a workplace that employees genuinely want to be part of. Fair pay and competitive benefits play a crucial role. When employees feel undervalued, they won’t hesitate to leave. Career growth opportunities are just as important; if there’s no clear path for advancement, talent will look elsewhere.
Just as critical is fostering a healthy work culture. Micromanagement, toxic leadership, and burnout are no longer tolerated, and employees are increasingly vocal about calling out workplaces that don’t prioritise well-being. Creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and able to grow is the key to retaining top talent.
2. Listen to employees (before they quit)
Revenge quitting doesn’t happen overnight. If companies listen to employees early on, they can prevent dramatic exits. Regular employee feedback sessions, pulse surveys, and open communication channels can help businesses address problems before they escalate. The key? Acting on feedback, rather than just collecting it.
3. Handle resignations with grace
If an employee is leaving, make it a positive experience. Instead of dismissing their frustrations, acknowledge them. A respectful, supportive offboarding process can prevent bitter exits and negative reviews. Companies that focus on maintaining good relationships with departing employees often see them return in the future; or at least, they avoid a public fallout.
Also read: Top 7 apps to boost your productivity
What does revenge quitting mean for the future of work?
Revenge quitting isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a wake-up call for workplaces. Employees today expect more: fair pay, healthier work cultures, and real career growth. Companies that listen, adapt, and invest in employee well-being will thrive, while those that ignore these shifts risk losing talent in the most public way possible.
The numbers don’t lie; revenge quitting is no longer just an isolated phenomenon. Employees aren’t afraid to hold companies accountable, and businesses that don’t adapt risk public backlash. As public resignations go viral and workplace call-outs become more common, businesses need to rethink how they treat their employees. In today’s work culture, a single viral quitting story can damage an employer’s reputation overnight. Employers who ignore warning signs risk facing mass resignations. For businesses, this means adapting quickly. Companies that prioritise fair treatment, workplace flexibility, and a healthy work culture will retain top talent.
Those that don’t? They may find themselves trending for all the wrong reasons.
Try workbuddy today and take control of your work life, on your terms.