Move over quiet quitting — as AI looms ‘quiet cracking’ is costing $438 billion and wrecking workers’ health

Quiet cracking at work amid layoffs and AI: A new workplace crisis is creeping in, and it is not just hitting workers hard, but it’s also costing companies hundreds of billions of dollars in global productivity loss, as per a report.

AI Push and Layoffs Are Fueling “Quiet Cracking”

As layoffs intensify and AI becomes the buzzword, most employees are mentally and emotionally struggling to do more with less and career advancement seems to be an impossibility, according to a Fortune report.

Employees are scared of voicing out their concerns as they might be risking putting their neck on the line in a dire job market, which has led the staff to silently but massively disengage with their employers, which is called “quiet cracking,” as reported by Fortune.


Editor in chief and career writer for Kickresume, Martin Poduška highlighted that “The telltale signs of quiet cracking are very similar to burnout. You may notice yourself lacking motivation and enthusiasm for your work, and you may be feeling useless, or even angry and irritable,” adding, “These are all common indicators of quiet cracking, and they gradually get worse over time,” as quoted in the report.

ALSO READ: Is Oracle facing headwinds? After layoffs, its 4-decade veteran Chief Security Officer Mary Ann Davidson departs

More Than Half of Workers Say They’re Unhappy at Work

It is not like “quiet quitting,” because the decline in productivity from workers is not intentional, but it’s caused by feeling worn down and unappreciated by their employers, and most employees they don’t even realise that it is creeping up on them until it’s too late, according to the Fortune report. However, they are also unable to quit in protest because of the current job market, which has left them ultimately stuck and unhappy in their roles, as per the report.

A 2025 report from TalentLMS found that almost 54% of employees reported feeling unhappy at work, with the frequency ranging from occasionally to constantly, as reported by Fortune.

ALSO READ: Were YouTube Influencers Nina Santiago and Patrick Blackwood's lives put at risk for views? Watch the shocking SUV crash viral video

Quiet Cracking Is Costing the Global Economy Billions

Quiet cracking is not only taking an emotional toll on employees, but the trend is also hitting businesses hard, according to the report. Gallup report found that last year, the proportion of engaged employees globally fell to 21% from 23%, which was similar to the drop in enthusiasm seen during the COVID-19 lockdown, costing the world economy about $438 billion in lost productivity, as per the Fortune report.

Fixing Work Culture Before It Breaks: What Managers Must Do Now

The career expert warned that managers need to stand on guard to spot fissures in company culture before employees are fully down in the dumps, as reported by Fortune. Poduška advised that, “If you’ve noticed an employee becoming more and more disengaged with their work, it may be best to schedule a time where you can discuss how they feel,” as quoted in the report. He added that, “Setting them new tasks, providing new learning opportunities, and simply having an honest conversation could steer things back in the right direction,” as quoted by Fortune.

TalentLMS study also revealed that out of the workers who experience quiet cracking, 47% said that their managers do not listen to their concerns, as per the report.

ASLO READ: Morgan Stanley: AI boom could add $16 trillion to markets, but workers may pay the price as 90% jobs may be impacted

Another way to motivate workers is to provide training to workers, as it shows that the company is interested in their career advancement, according to Fortune. TalentLMS study found that about 62% of staffers who aren’t quite cracking receive training, compared to 44% of those who frequently or constantly experience the feeling, as reported by Fortune.

TalentLMS report pointed out that, “When employee training is prioritized, it signals care, investment, and belief in people’s potential,” as quoted by Fortune. It also added that, “It fuels motivation, builds capability, and creates a culture where people want to contribute—and stay. Training isn’t just about skill-building; it’s an antidote to disengagement. A catalyst for connection,” as quoted by Fortune.

ALSO READ: Leaked: iPhone 17 Pro Max internal design shows game-changing metal battery, hints at big redesign

FAQs

What does quiet cracking feel like?
It can feel like you're disconnected, tired all the time, frustrated, or like your work doesn't matter, but you're still showing up every day, as per the Fortune report.

Why aren’t employees just quitting?
Because the job market is uncertain, and many feel stuck. They’re not ready to leave, but they’re also not thriving.