Quiet Cracking: The New Workplace Crisis Costing the Global Economy Billions

A new workplace phenomenon, dubbed "quiet cracking," is emerging as a significant concern for employers, following the trend of "quiet quitting." This term describes employees who continue to fulfill their job duties and meet deadlines but are silently experiencing a decline in their motivation, creativity, and mental health. According to a recent Gallup report cited in a Business Insider article, global employee engagement fell from 23% to 21% last year, resulting in an estimated $438 billion loss to the global economy due to lost productivity. This marks the second time employee engagement has fallen in 12 years, the other instance being in 2020. Experts suggest that this silent struggle stems from various factors, including a lack of recognition, the presence of toxic managers, limited opportunities for career growth, and pervasive job insecurity. The current economic climate further exacerbates the issue, as many workers feel trapped in their roles, fearing job cuts if they leave and facing reduced pay bumps when attempting to switch jobs. Companies are reportedly tightening budgets, intensifying performance reviews, and enforcing return-to-office policies, contributing to a "hardcore working culture" that leaves employees feeling stuck without growth.

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