Ever feel like you're holding it together at work—but only just? Like beneath the surface, something's starting to split, little by little? Now there is a term to define it. Experts are now calling this subtle yet serious trend 'Quiet cracking'. Unlike the buzz around “quiet quitting,” quiet cracking isn’t about employees doing the bare minimum. It’s about emotional erosion.

What is quiet cracking?

Quiet cracking is a difficult trend to spot, as from the outside, everything appears fine. The work gets done, deadlines are met, and no one’s raising red flags. But inside, there’s fatigue, loss of purpose, and an increasing sense of detachment. It’s a form of silent burnout. Employees don’t quit outright, but their morale, creativity, and engagement slowly unravel.

According to a Gallup survey, more than 50% of American professionals are experiencing some level of this quiet breakdown. TalentLMS used this data to shine a light on just how widespread this issue is. It’s not limited to one industry or job role. From corporate boardrooms to creative studios, quiet cracking is becoming alarmingly common.

But how did we get here?

It often starts with a lack of recognition. When hard work goes unnoticed, people begin to question their value. Then comes the absence of growth. When there’s no room to learn, evolve, or climb, the sense of purpose dwindles. Add in emotionally distant leadership, poor communication, and a lack of empathy and we have the perfect recipe to experience ‘Quiet Cracking.’

So, how can organizations prevent this silent burnout?

The first step is real, honest conversations. Regular check-ins shouldn't just focus on tasks or targets, they shou d ask how employees feel. Secondly, meaningful work is key. Employees thrive when they know their contributions make a difference. Leaders must help individuals see how their work ties into the bigger picture. Purpose breeds motivation.

And lastly, managers must learn to listen—not just respond. The best leaders aren’t those who give orders, but those who build trust. Quiet cracking is a wake-up call—not just about what’s broken, but about what still can be fixed.

Spot the cracks and help rebuild a workplace where people don’t just show up, they are happy to work.

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