(WJAR) — Amid news of growing layoffs and a weakening job market, there’s a new term to describe many workers who are still holding onto their jobs.
“Quiet cracking” is a buzzy, new term that’s been getting a lot of play on social media.
It’s basically a subtle form of burnout.
Job expert say some signs of quiet cracking include feeling more stress, dealing with a larger workload, and feeling a lack of recognition for your work.
Ryne Sherman, chief science officer for Hogan Assessments, said what’s notable about quiet cracking is it’s often seen in very productive employees.
“If your best employees are becoming burned out and disengaged – we know engagement impacts every aspect of workplace performance – it predicts productivity, it predicts workplace satisfaction,” said Sherman. “That can create a cascade effect, where now they’re being less productive.”
He continued, “If this is one of your most productive people and they’re becoming disengaged, this can have this domino effect on other people inside your organization.”
Sherman said one of the challenges with quiet cracking is it’s really easy for managers to miss those early warning signs because these employees are still getting their work done.
He said the larger economy and the job market is also contributing to an increase in quiet cracking.
“What we’re seeing is organizations trying to maximize efficiency, right?” said Sherman. “How can we get the most out of the people that we have?”
He continued, “I think this is ultimately driven by demands from shareholders.”
What should managers should be doing to combat quiet cracking?
Sherman said they’ve got to connect with their employees frequently and focus on improving work-life balance.
He said one of the most effect tools to combat quiet cracking is actually a four-day workweek.