Resenteeism
Resenteeism is when someone stays in a job they don’t enjoy, feeling resentful and trapped. They may can’t find a better role or fear the risks of changing jobs. This can lead to low engagement and a sense of disillusionment, bitterness, misery, or unhappiness at work.
The term gained attention after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation, as people rethought work‑life balance amid higher living costs. It’s related to quiet quitting and is a form of burnout.
Resenteeism is often linked to a poor workplace culture, a gap between what employers say and what employees experience, and subtle layoffs. It’s more common among people who had to give up remote work and return to the office.
Mental health can suffer as a result. Employers can help by creating a respectful workplace and investing in employees’ well‑being and development.
Origin: The term was coined by the SaaS company RotaCloud and became popular in 2023 on TikTok. It blends resentment, absenteeism, and presenteeism.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:40 (CET).