Quiet Cracking Costs $438 Billion in Lost Productivity as Disengagement Rises to 54%

Workers worldwide are experiencing a growing phenomenon known as "quiet cracking," where employees remain physically present but mentally disengaged due to burnout, unmet expectations, and a lack of career progression. This trend is driven by the rising influence of AI in workplaces, stalled promotions, and a general sense of being overworked with little recognition or investment from employers [1]. According to a 2025 report from Talent LMS, 54% of employees report feeling unhappy at work, with some experiencing these feelings constantly [1]. The result is a global productivity loss of $438 billion over the past year, as noted in a Gallup report that also found global employee engagement dropping from 23% to 21% [2].

Unlike "quiet quitting," where employees intentionally reduce effort, "quiet cracking" is a more insidious decline in morale and productivity that employees often don’t recognize until it’s too late [1]. Martin Poduška, editor in chief and career writer for Kickresume, explains that signs of quiet cracking are similar to burnout: a lack of motivation, feelings of uselessness, and emotional distress [1]. Employees are often too afraid to voice their concerns due to economic uncertainty and the fear of losing their jobs [1].

Employers, meanwhile, are slow to recognize these issues. Among employees experiencing quiet cracking, 47% say their managers do not listen to their concerns [1]. This lack of engagement not only affects workplace culture but also poses a significant risk to long-term business performance. Poduška emphasizes that managers must proactively address employee disengagement through open communication, new learning opportunities, and meaningful recognition [1]. Training programs are especially effective, as 62% of employees who do not experience quiet cracking receive training compared to just 44% of those who frequently do [1].

Employees, too, can take steps to combat their own disengagement. Poduška suggests identifying the root causes of unhappiness, such as a lack of career growth, and addressing them through open dialogue with managers [1]. If the workplace does not offer viable solutions, employees are advised to reassess the sustainability of their roles and consider a career change or departmental switch [1].

The growing prevalence of quiet cracking signals a broader crisis in workplace well-being and engagement. Employers who fail to act risk losing talent, productivity, and competitive advantage. For now, the onus is on both managers and employees to recognize the signs and take meaningful steps toward a healthier and more sustainable work environment [1].

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[1] "‘Quiet cracking’ is spreading in offices: Half of workers are at breaking point, and it’s costing companies $438 billion in productivity loss" (https://fortune.com/2025/08/18/quiet-cracking-workplace-culture-employees-burnout-disengagement-mental-health-billions-business-loss-managers-ai-promotions/)

[2] Gallup. (2025). Report on Global Employee Engagement and Productivity.