Holding it together on the outside?

“Quiet cracking” is a new way to describe that feeling of disengagement and reduced productivity, but whilst “quiet quitting” refers to employees doing the bare minimum to get by, “quiet cracking” has an added helping of mental and emotional stress. Sounds scary doesn’t it?

It’s estimated that as many as 54% of employees are “quiet cracking” according to a recent Talent LMS report due to issues such as job insecurity and a lack of connection.

So how can we tackle this issue and support our employees in the face of increased quiet cracking?

1. Normalise conversations about stress and burnout

Many employees “crack” silently because they don’t feel safe admitting they’re struggling. Leaders must create a culture where talking about mental health and emotional pressure isn’t seen as weakness, but as a normal part of work life. Regular check-ins, open dialogue, and active listening go a long way.

2. Spot the subtle signs

Unlike quiet quitting, quiet cracking doesn’t show up in missed deadlines or poor performance straight away. Look for changes in tone, withdrawn behaviour, reduced enthusiasm, or signs of overwhelm. The earlier you notice the cracks, the easier they are to repair.

3. Rebuild psychological safety

Employees are more likely to cope, bounce back, and ask for support when they feel psychologically safe. That means they trust their team and leaders enough to be honest and know they won’t be judged or penalised for it. Leadership training, coaching, and culture audits can all help strengthen this foundation.

4. Provide support beyond performance metrics

Too often, support is only offered when output drops. But quiet cracking is internal and it happens before results decline. Take a proactive approach: focus on wellbeing strategies, meaningful recognition, and ensuring people feel connected to their purpose at work.

5. Train leaders to lead human-first

Ultimately, it’s managers and leaders who are best placed to prevent quiet cracking – if they’re equipped to spot the signs and respond with empathy and action. Investing in leadership development that focuses on emotional intelligence, coaching skills, and compassionate communication is essential.

Quiet cracking is a silent threat – but it’s also a wake-up call.

It’s time for organisations to look beneath the surface and create environments where people feel supported, safe, and seen – before the cracks widen.

Want to know how your team is really doing?
Explore how our team assessments and leadership support can help you spot the signs and take action early.

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