A new workplace trend called "quiet cracking" is emerging, causing concern among employers and employees alike. This pattern involves a steady feeling of unhappiness and stress at work that often goes unspoken. It can lead to poor performance, low morale, and a stronger urge for workers to leave their jobs. A recent survey found that one in five employees often or always experience this quiet struggle, while over half say they face it at least sometimes.
Melissa Burke, vice president at AmTrust Financial, shared with Insurance Business some of the common causes behind quiet cracking. These include heavy workloads, tight deadlines, unclear goals, low pay, conflicts with coworkers or bosses, and trouble balancing work with personal life. She explains that these pressures not only affect mental health but can also cause physical problems such as high blood pressure, heart issues, and muscle tension. These combined effects can lead to more workplace injuries and costly workers’ compensation claims.
Burke emphasizes the important role managers play in spotting early signs of stress. Because many workers choose to keep their struggles private for fear of hurting their job security, managers need to watch for changes like absenteeism, irritability, or dropping performance. Regular one-on-one meetings can be a simple but effective way to create a safe space for employees to share concerns and get support before problems get worse.
There’s also a worrying stigma around mental health at work. Studies show that 16% of U.S. workers believe this stigma has increased recently, and many fear negative consequences if they seek help. For this reason, leaders must build an open and supportive culture where talking about mental health is normal and encouraged.
To do this, Burke suggests ongoing mental health education and training for both employees and managers. Offering workshops or online courses can help build understanding and provide practical advice. Employers should also make sure employees know about resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling, and referral services designed to help with mental health.
As companies prepare for the year ahead, experts say it’s vital to focus on prevention rather than just reacting to problems. This means training HR and risk teams on how to handle workplace stress effectively and tailoring support to different groups, such as older workers or staff in high-pressure jobs like hospitality.
Lastly, providing clear job training, thorough orientation, and opportunities for role growth can reduce feelings of uncertainty that feed into quiet cracking. Burke points out that these efforts help workers feel more confident and safe, while also lowering the chance of injuries.
In sum, quiet cracking is a quiet but serious issue for many workers. By recognizing it early and creating honest, supportive workplaces, companies can protect their people’s health and keep their teams strong and productive.