Quiet Cracking: The Hidden Workplace Trend Draining Employee Morale

“Quiet cracking” is the newest workplace buzzword, describing employees who appear productive but feel deeply unfulfilled and disengaged. Experts say it’s “pretty pervasive” across all levels, with more than half of workers reporting they’ve experienced it — often driven by job insecurity, burnout, lack of growth opportunities, or fears about AI replacing roles. Unlike “quiet quitting,” this trend doesn’t always affect performance, but it takes a toll on happiness and long-term career outlooks. Surveys show the pandemic’s disruptions continue to fuel anxiety, leaving many employees drained before the workweek begins.