24.07.2025

Quiet cracking: The gradual burnout that is affecting employees

Similar to quiet quitting and burnout, ‘quiet cracking’ is a new workplace term used to describe an employee's gradual loss of motivation, productivity, and happiness at work.

Quiet cracking isn’t a loud statement that makes a scene, but rather a gradual decline in job satisfaction that often goes unnoticed.

CEO and Co-Founder of AI-powered career app Kickresume, Peter Duris, has shared his tips for employees who may be experiencing quiet cracking, and for managers on how to spot and solve this problem.

Peter Duris, CEO and Co-Founder of Kickresume, comments: “Quiet cracking is sneaky; it creeps up on workers slowly but steadily, and before they know it they’re totally checked out of their role. This can happen for many reasons, including workers feeling unsupported by their managers and stuck in their roles. With no progression in sight and a lack of purpose, employees may be asking themselves what the point of their role is. This often leads to dissatisfaction and a loss in motivation.

“Quiet cracking may be caused by managers not providing enough support and recognition, leading employees to feel undervalued. This is what often causes withdrawal, and it's important for managers to address this at the earliest warning signs!”

Tips for employees

Bring up your concerns with your manager. Sometimes your manager might be completely unaware of how you’re feeling. Opening up a conversation about how you feel and where you need support may help your manager to better understand how they can help, and may result in a progression plan to keep you motivated.
Ask for an opportunity to learn something new. If you’re feeling unmotivated and unhappy at work, it might help to ask your manager for an opportunity to learn something new. This could be from an online course, workshop, or by joining a project from another department. This may help spark your motivation, and provide an opportunity to develop and progress within your role.

Tips for managers

Schedule one-on-one meetings with your team. One of the best ways to spot quiet cracking and any other problems is to give employees the opportunity to discuss any concerns with you in a supportive and private environment. One-on-one meetings create space for you and your employees to work together, discuss their progress, and identify how you can help them reach their work goals.
Show your appreciation. When your employees perform well, meet their targets, and achieve their work goals, it’s important to show them that you appreciate their work. Whether it’s a shout-out in front of the team or a simple email congratulating them on a job well done, a little appreciation can go a long way.
Set a clear path for progression. When employees feel like their role isn’t going anywhere, it can drive motivation into the ground. Setting clear expectations and goals for your employees gives them something to work toward, which can help combat quiet cracking and a sense of stagnation.