Are you 'quiet cracking'? The sneaky workplace burnout trend that is costing billions and breaking spirits

Time of India

14-07-2025

In a world constantly chasing productivity and purpose, a silent workplace epidemic is unfolding—and it has a name:
quiet cracking
. Unlike dramatic resignations or overt disengagement, this phenomenon creeps in unnoticed. You don't storm out of your job. You don't even realize you're slowly disconnecting—until one day, you're just...done.
According to a recent report by VICE, 'quiet cracking' describes a gradual, silent burnout—a slow erosion of motivation, purpose, and engagement at work. It's not the kind of burnout that makes headlines or causes immediate concern. Instead, it builds quietly beneath the surface, like hairline fractures in a plate that eventually shatter under pressure.
And it's more common than we might think.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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A Costly Crumble of Spirit
Data from Gallup's State of the Global Workplace Report highlights the growing scope of this issue. In 2024, global employee engagement declined to a mere 21%, and the fallout isn't just personal. This widespread disengagement cost the world economy a staggering $438 billion last year alone.
That number is more than just a corporate concern—it's a reflection of millions of lives silently sliding toward discontent.
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How the Cracks Begin to Show
'Quiet cracking is sneaky; it creeps up on workers slowly but steadily, and before they know it, they're totally checked out of their role,' said Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of AI-powered career platform Kickresume, in his interview with VICE.
At the heart of this slow collapse often lies poor management, lack of
career growth
, and a feeling of being undervalued. Employees begin questioning their purpose and contribution, and without meaningful support, motivation steadily erodes.
Duris likens the process to reaching 'end-stage burnout'—a point where even small tasks feel monumental, and the idea of growth or improvement seems out of reach.
Is There a Way Out?
For those caught in the quiet cracking spiral, the way out begins with awareness. While much of the responsibility lies with management to detect early signs of disengagement and offer support, employees also have the power to advocate for themselves.
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'Quiet cracking may be caused by managers not providing enough support and recognition, leading employees to feel undervalued,' Duris explained. He emphasized the importance of starting a dialogue, suggesting that employees open up about their struggles and request opportunities for learning and growth.
A manager who truly listens can rekindle the spark—reminding workers not only of their value but also of the possibilities still ahead.
More Than a Buzzword
Though 'quiet cracking' may sound like just another trendy workplace phrase, it cuts to the core of a silent mental health crisis playing out across industries. It's not about laziness or lack of ambition—it's about survival in environments that forget the humanity behind the hustle.
So the next time you feel a little less inspired, a bit more tired, or oddly numb at work, pause. You may be experiencing the first cracks—and knowing how to name it just might be the first step toward healing.