The Terminology Commission of the Latvian Academy of Sciences has made a significant decision to adopt the terms 'atsalums' and 'atsalšana' as the official translations for the English phrase 'quiet quitting'. This decision comes after evaluating alternative suggestions such as 'remdendarbs' and 'remdenstrādāšana', which were deemed less effective as they could imply the results or state of work, rather than the process of gradual disengagement from work that 'quiet quitting' embodies. The commission emphasized the importance of focusing on the aspect of diminishing enthusiasm and intensity in employees' work habits.

During the discussions, there was a comparison made to the concept of 'Italian strike', which refers to a situation where employees perform their duties in a formal and slow manner, effectively sabotaging the work process. However, the commission pointed out that unlike the 'Italian strike', which implies a deliberate act of sabotage, 'quiet quitting' signifies a more passive erosion of motivation and an emotional detachment from work responsibilities. This nuanced distinction highlights the commission's intent to accurately reflect the phenomenon in the workplace.

The decision by the commission also reflects broader trends in work culture and employee engagement, especially in the context of balancing personal well-being and professional responsibilities. By solidifying these terms in the Latvian language, the commission aims to better describe and understand shifting attitudes towards work in a way that is relevant and relatable for Latvian speakers.