First came quiet quitting. Now comes quiet cracking—the latest term capturing how workers are coping with stress, burnout, and feeling disconnected in the modern workplace.
Unlike quiet quitting, where employees do the bare minimum while staying within their job description, quiet cracking signals something deeper: total disengagement. It’s when a worker mentally and emotionally checks out but doesn’t make noise about it. They still show up, but the spark is gone.
Experts point to post-pandemic workplace shifts, remote fatigue, and unsupportive management as some of the biggest contributors. “People do get burned out,” said contributor Stephanie. “Managers really need to step up and see what they can do about this.” She emphasized that clear communication and transparency are critical to preventing disengagement from festering.
Jim added, “That’s what we used to call burnout, and you can see it in others. If you’re a good manager, you check in with your team, maybe over lunch or coffee, and ask what’s working and what isn’t.”
As companies grapple with retaining top talent, addressing quiet cracking may require more than training videos and wellness days. “If you're not open and honest,” Stephanie warned, “you’re going to lose great employees.”
Years ago, a worker voicing concerns might have been shown the door. Today, organizations that ignore subtle signs of distress could lose their strongest contributors—quietly, and for good.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 23, 2025
