For years, the hustle culture dominated. We were told to grind, maximise productivity, and treat rest as a “reward” rather than a necessity. But now, people are beginning to question this relentless drive. While the culture of “doing it all” is still powerful, more people—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are reevaluating what productivity actually means and considering if constant work is really sustainable.

The Early Signs of a Shift

The COVID-19 pandemic gave many people a taste of a slower life. Without daily commutes, rigid office hours, and the usual fast-paced social schedules, people started to realise the importance of rest and work-life balance. That pause led to a lot of soul-searching, with many realising they felt more focused and creative when they weren’t constantly pushing themselves to the limit.

Rethinking ‘Hustle’ in Gen Z and Millennial Culture

Millennials and Gen Z grew up with the message that they needed to work harder and faster to succeed. But now, these generations are experiencing the effects of chronic stress and burnout, and they’re asking themselves if it’s worth it. For many, burnout has triggered a search for alternative ways to achieve goals without sacrificing mental health. And it’s not just in creative fields—when even the CEO of Morgan Stanley, an industry notorious for its work-hard-play-hard ethos, has to step in and tell employees not to overwork, you know something’s shifting. This kind of message from the top in high-stakes finance shows just how unsustainable the grind mentality has become.

In response, there’s a growing trend of “mindful productivity,” where people prioritise focused work sessions paired with intentional breaks. This balanced approach allows for progress without constant pressure, helping people stay productive without burning out.

The Rise of “Quiet Quitting” and Work-Life Balance

Terms like “quiet quitting” and “acting your wage” have gained popularity, pointing to a subtle rebellion against overwork. While these concepts don’t necessarily mean people are slacking off, they represent a new attitude: work hard, but not at the cost of well-being. It’s a redefinition of success that includes mental and emotional health, with more people choosing to slow down instead of constantly pushing through exhaustion.

Why Rest is Finally Getting Its Due

Science backs it up: studies show that rest and downtime can improve memory, increase creativity, and prevent mental fatigue. Regular breaks are not just a luxury—they’re essential for sustained productivity. As companies start to notice these benefits, they’re also shifting their focus, encouraging employees to take mental health days, work more flexible hours, and avoid burnout.