"Quiet cracking" refers to a growing sense of workplace dissatisfaction among employees, where frustration, insecurity, and a lack of fulfillment build over time even though performance standards may continue to be met.

This experience typically stems from issues such as ambiguous job expectations, overwhelming workloads, uncertain career advancement, and insufficient recognition.

Unlike more visible disengagement trends, quiet cracking does not always manifest through a drop in productivity but instead emerges in reduced enthusiasm, creativity, and emotional investment, making it harder for managers to detect.

The recent TalentLMS survey found more than half of American workers report experiencing quiet cracking to some degree. About 20 percent said this is a frequent or constant state, and nearly one in six are unsure about their future in their current roles.

The survey also revealed that employees who feel undervalued or unheard are significantly more likely to experience quiet cracking, with a substantial portion expressing that their managers do not listen to their concerns or offer opportunities for professional growth.

Job security appears to be high, but confidence wanes when it comes to long-term prospects, leading nearly half of surveyed employees to feel uncertain about their professional future.

The survey identified a lack of training or development as a key contributor; employees who had not received training within the past year were far more likely to feel insecure in their jobs.

In addition, approximately 42 percent of workers reported not receiving any training from their employer in the past year.

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/5406424-quiet-cracking-is-the-newest-term-for-a-workplace-problem-and-its-pretty-pervasive-expert-says/amp/

So, the question for our readers is: Is Your Organization Experiencing Quiet Cracking?
 

Here is the opinion of one of the McCalmon editorial staff:

Jack McCalmon, Esq.

I hope not, but anybody can become disassociated over time not necessarily with work, but with matters outside of work. With that written, training is always valuable, as well as providing challenges outside the routine.
 

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