Quiet cracking is a new workplace issue that employers must address, according to Frank Giampietro, EY Americas’ chief well-being officer. It refers to employees who “show up, do their job, but struggle in silence,” despite not being happy with their roles.
The current job market, with economic uncertainty and layoffs, has led many workers to stay in their jobs due to lack of better options. As a result, high employee disengagement and dissatisfaction are on the rise, causing morale to erode and productivity to suffer. This can lead to burnout.
Warning signs of quiet cracking include physical manifestations like frequent illness or complaints of headaches, as well as changes in behavior patterns such as decreased performance or reduced optimism among colleagues. Employers should not automatically assume these issues are related to performance problems; instead, they should check in with affected employees to address their concerns.
The push for corporate well-being investments that emerged during the pandemic has slowed, leaving many workers with inadequate support at a time when they need it most. As a result, employers must prioritize employee well-being and provide necessary resources to help them thrive in their roles.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/quiet-cracking-warning-signs-work-employees-for-2025-8