First it was 'quiet quitting', and now it's 'quiet cracking' - the newest trend to hit the workforce. Many workers have expressed their dissatisfaction in the workplace, from not getting paid enough to being forced to come back to the office.

You've probably seen parodies all over social media of people making videos of unfair treatment at work. Your department made the company an extra $1 million this year, and they throw a pizza party.

And as convenient as remote work is, it could start to blur the line between being at home and being at work. When your boss messages you at 5:01pm, you can't just leave the office because your office is in your living room.

Whether you work in office or from home, you might be feeling the pressure - and too much pressure can make you crack. In comes 'quiet cracking'.

What is 'Quiet Cracking'?

Quiet cracking is a new term coined by learning management system company, TalentLMS. According to TalentLMS, quiet cracking is "a persistent feeling of workplace unhappiness that leads to disengagement, poor performance, and an increased desire to quit".

Unlike quiet quitting, which is used to describe when employees only do the bare minimum at their job instead of going above and beyond, quiet cracking doesn't necessarily show up in performance metrics right away. But that doesn't mean it's not dangerous.

According to Gallup, employees who are actively disengaged at work can cost $8.8 trillion in lost productivity every year.

And it's not just about being disengaged - it's about employees slowly and quietly cracking under constant pressure. Research from TalentLMS shows that one in five employees are experiencing quiet cracking frequently, while 34% report feeling it only occasionally. Employees who are quiet cracking constantly are 68% less likely to feel valued at work compared to their co-workers, and only 62% feel secure in their future with the company.

What's Causing Quiet Cracking?

It's clear that many employees are feeling undervalued and disengaged, but why? There's not one specific answer to this question, rather there are many.

Below are some of the main reasons employees are quiet cracking:

• 38% due to economic uncertainty

• 31% due to workload and job expectations

• 27% due to poor leadership or unclear company direction

• 25% due to company layoffs or restructuring

• 25% due to lack of compensation or benefits

• 23% due to not enough career advancement opportunities

• 21% due to workplace culture or team dynamics

• 13% due to lack of skill development

• 13% due to AI replacing jobs

Are You Quiet Cracking?

If any of these concerns feel familiar, you might be quiet cracking yourself. The pressure of feeling undervalued, overworked, or uncertain about your job can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. So, how do you know you're quiet cracking, and what can you do about it?

Here are some signs to know:

• Disengagement: You're not longer excited about your work, and you're starting to feel more disconnected from your role and co-workers.

• Chronic stress: You're constantly feeling overwhelmed, but it's not enough to make you quit. Instead, you're just hanging in there.

• Lowered productivity: You've noticed a drop in your motivation or ability to work at your usual level.

• Feeling unsatisfied: You're no longer getting satisfaction from your job, and the things that used to drive you, no longer seem fulfilling.

Sound familiar? Here's what you can do about it:

• Set boundaries: Whether you work at home or in the office, it's important to set clear boundaries between your work life and personal life. Log off when you're supposed to and silence work emails or messages until the next day.

• Talk to your manager: If your workload is unrealistic, have an open conversation with your boss about what's feasible. Communication can go a long way in relieving some pressure.

• Ask for support: Don't be afraid to reach out to HR if you feel your needs aren't being heard or met by your manager. Outside of work, talking to a mental health professional can help relieve some stress.

• Take necessary breaks: Maybe you feel chained to your desk, but you need to make some time for yourself throughout the day. Don't eat lunch at your desk and take a walk outside when you have some time.

• Consider your options: Sometimes the stress isn't worth it, and if you keep cracking, you'll eventually break. Finding a new position either within the company or with a new one might be the best way to solve your problem.