A few years ago, the buzz phrase “quiet quitting” was coined to describe the trend of employees setting firm boundaries on their work demands. Instead of going above and beyond, employees who engage in quiet quitting conserve their time and energy by adhering to the letter of their job descriptions.
Now, a new trend is emerging, and it too has a buzz phrase to describe it: “quiet cracking.”
The major difference between quiet quitting and quiet cracking is that quiet quitting is a choice. Quiet cracking occurs when overwhelmed employees struggle silently, cracking mentally and emotionally while trying to do their jobs as usual. These employees feel stuck, unable to cope with the demands of their jobs but reluctant to give notice due to the uncertainty of today’s job market.
Quiet cracking is prevalent in today’s fast-paced workplaces, where technology is changing rapidly and employees are often tasked with doing more with less. It often affects high-performing professionals who are forced to deal with unrealistic demands, a lack of support, ineffective leadership, and/or a poor workplace culture – not to mention a turbulent job market and economy. A TalentMLS survey conducted in March 2025 found that 54% of American workers reported experiencing the unhappiness and burnout that cause quiet cracking.
If you’re experiencing quiet cracking, you are not alone, and it is not your fault. But instead of struggling silently – which can cause performance issues and lead to burnout – it’s important to recognize the signs of quiet cracking and take action to resolve them.
How To Recognize The Symptoms Of Quiet Cracking
Most of us experience varying degrees of stress in the workplace. For those who pride themselves on excelling at work, it can be tempting to brush off feelings of stress, exhaustion, or overwhelm, thinking that it’s just a bad day or bad week. It might be difficult to differentiate between stress and quiet cracking.
But “quiet cracking” literally refers to cracking under the strain of persistent stress. If it feels like your stress is unrelenting, you are likely experiencing some of the following symptoms of quiet cracking:
- Constant overwhelm to the point where tasks you used to enjoy are now difficult to complete;
- Cognitive fatigue that saps your focus and energy;
- Diminished engagement, reflected in missed meetings and decreased contributions to collaborative efforts;
- Exhaustion that keeps you trapped in a job that depletes you because you don’t have the energy to leave; and,
- Shame or self-blame, believing that it’s your fault that your job performance is suffering.
If any of the above symptoms resonate, you may be experiencing quiet cracking. Although this may be a realization you’d rather not face, acknowledging the issue is the first step to overcoming it.
Factors That Contribute To Quiet Cracking
For many, it’s tempting to believe that quiet cracking is a personal issue caused by their inability to manage workplace demands. But more than your personal circumstances, issues within your workplace are likely contributing to quiet cracking.
Today’s workplaces are hampered by the turbulent job market and unsettled socioeconomic issues around the globe. Further, the rapid escalation of digital transformation – including the introduction of AI tools – means that everyone is scrambling to learn and implement new technologies. As businesses cope with these stressors, workplaces may become less than optimal. Several issues may arise that make it difficult for you to do good work, including:
- Managerial burnout leading to a lack of support, coaching, and recognition for employees;
- Hiring freezes and other cost-cutting measures that require existing employees to do more with less;
- Digital transformation and the adoption of new tech tools, which make ongoing upskilling onerous; and,
- A lack of clarity around career paths and mobility within the company, making employees feel trapped in a stagnant work environment.
While these stressors alone can contribute to quiet cracking, many employees are dealing with mental health challenges. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that 76% of American workers reported experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health condition in 2021. That is a significant number. For employees already dealing with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or disordered eating, for example, additional stressors within the workplace can exacerbate personal issues and accelerate quiet cracking.
How Quiet Cracking Affects You And Your Work
Although many people struggle to keep their quiet cracking under wraps, it’s insidious. If you’re experiencing quiet cracking, its ripple effects are likely showing up in your job performance, mental and physical health, and relationships. It’s critical to identify and address quiet cracking so that it doesn’t cause issues such as the following:
- Decreased productivity and missed deadlines due to exhaustion and scattered focus;
- Declining quality as you struggle to get through the day instead of striving for excellence;
- Physical and mental health concerns, such as irritability, exhaustion, disordered sleep, anxiety, and depression;
- Strained relationships in and outside of the workplace; and,
- Faltering career goals if others don’t understand the root cause of your job performance issues.
The ramifications of quiet cracking are widespread, affecting your work and personal life. It might feel like you’re to blame for the issues that arise, but you’re doing your best to continue despite the overwhelming conditions in your workplace. Once you understand the symptoms of quiet cracking, and how it shows up in your daily life, it’s time to address it.
How To Address Quiet Cracking
Most people who experience quiet cracking struggle in silence, without asking for help or support. But in order to stave off the effects of quiet cracking, it’s imperative to break the silence. There are several steps you can take.
Acknowledge It’s Happening
Now that you know what quiet cracking is and how it manifests in people’s lives, it should be easier to identify and acknowledge your symptoms. Remind yourself that you aren’t lazy, unmotivated, or broken but stuck in an unsustainable situation. Once you’ve acknowledged that you’re experiencing quiet cracking, it will be easier to take action.
Talk To Someone You Trust
Don’t wait silently for your company to fix the issues that resulted in your quiet cracking. Instead, find someone safe to talk to. If your work culture doesn’t feel supportive, it’s okay to talk to someone outside of your organization. A people leader, mentor, therapist, career coach, member of your personal advisory board, or friend can help you understand what’s happening and put things into perspective.
Reconnect With Your Values And Goals
Burnout can make you lose sight of who you are and what matters to you. Reconnecting with your values and goals can help you understand how to best address the quiet cracking you’re experiencing. For example, consider:
- What do you want to do more of? What lights you up?
- What’s missing in your current role or in the organization you’re working for?
- What would help you feel fulfilled and energized again?
It’s possible that your role and/or workplace can be adjusted to better suit your values and needs. However, it’s also possible that it’s time to consider new opportunities.
Talk To A Specialized Recruiter
When you are exhausted and burned out, it can be difficult to find the energy to leave your current role, knowing that a job search lies ahead. Talking to a specialized recruiter can help with that process. A reputable recruitment agency that specializes in placing professionals within your sector can help you locate roles that provide:
- A healthier, more supportive workplace culture;
- Responsive, responsible leadership that monitors the pulse of the workplace and prioritizes growth and development;
- Clearly stated expectations about workloads and responsibilities;
- Access to relevant training and professional development opportunities; and,
- A healthy work/life balance that allows you to thrive.
Working with a specialized recruiter can be reassuring because they know your industry, understand your story, and have deep connections that can help them locate roles that align with your values and goals. At the very minimum, talking to a specialized recruiter can remind you that you do have options outside of your current workplace.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve More Than Survival
Quiet cracking is not a reflection of personal failure. It’s a sign that the situation at your workplace is unsustainable. If this blog piece resonates with you, know that it’s better to seek help rather than push forward until you burn out.
Life at work should be about more than mere survival. Your workplace culture should resonate with you, allowing you to thrive and providing opportunities to advance within the organization. If you’re in a situation where you’re hanging on by a thread, it’s time to consider whether you could be experiencing quiet cracking and taking steps, if appropriate, to create a better future for yourself.
After acknowledging your situation, having a conversation with someone you trust can help put things into perspective and spur the changes needed for a better future. Whether that person is in your workplace, a personal connection, or a specialized recruiter, it’s important to break the silence and reach out for support. The path to a healthier, more fulfilling career is within reach – you just have to take the first step.
