Does money solve all problems? : The connection between how healthcare workers feel about quiet quitting and their financial well-being

Healthcare employees’ motivation is critical for service quality, patient safety, and the overall functioning of health systems. When performance declines and job interest weakens, teamwork deteriorates, care processes are disrupted, errors may increase, and efficiency falls. In some cases, reduced extra effort and passive-aggressive workplace relations may signal “quiet quitting”: employees remain in their jobs but psychologically disengage, often because financial constraints prevent resignation. This study examines the relationship between healthcare workers’ financial well-being and their tendency toward quiet quitting, focusing on debt anxiety and expectations about their financial future. Survey data from 302 healthcare personnel were collected using two-subscale measures of financial well-being (debt anxiety; financial future expectations) and quiet quitting (withdrawal/low extra effort; passive resistance/relationships). Analyses (correlation, ANOVA, t-test, hierarchical regression, bootstrap) showed that higher debt anxiety was associated with more quiet quitting. Unexpectedly, more optimistic financial future expectations also predicted greater withdrawal and passive resistance. Married and more educated participants displayed stronger quiet quitting tendencies.