The workplace can be a challenging environment, with long hours, tight deadlines, and constant demands. It’s no wonder that many employees are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. In fact, there’s a growing trend of workers quietly cracking under the pressure.
Quiet cracking, also known as quiet quitting, taskmasking, and “conscious unbossing”, is a subtle way for employees to opt out of added responsibilities, busy work, and unrewarding jobs. According to Guy Thornton, Founder of human resource company PracticeAptitudeTests, this trend is on the rise, and it’s important for both employees and employers to be aware of its signs.
Thornton explains that quiet cracking is not a sign of laziness or a flaw in one’s work ethic. It’s often a sign that the mind and body are trying to cope with something unsustainable. Here are some signs you might be “quiet cracking” without even realizing it:
1) You’re constantly busy, but don’t get much done
Do you find yourself always rushing around, but never feeling particularly productive? Thornton warns that this could be a red flag. This relates to another workplace trend known as fauxductivity, which is when you appear productive while feeling unmotivated and disconnected.
“It’s often an early sign of quiet cracking that can happen when you’re overwhelmed or unsure of your priorities,” says Thornton. It’s important to take a step back and assess your workload to ensure that you’re not taking on too much.
2) You constantly ignore work messages and emails
If your inbox is bursting and your Slack notifications have built up, you may be “quiet cracking” under the pressure of constant communication. “This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lazy or disengaged. Your brain might simply be overloaded,” Thornton advises.
It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize your tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your team and let them know when you need some time to focus on your work without interruptions.
3) Handing in work at the last minute
Do you find yourself always scrambling to hand in that report at the last minute? While it might just feel like your working style, Thornton says it could also be a sign that you’ve mentally checked out. “Ask yourself, are you struggling with motivation, or is the workload too much?” he continues.
Quiet cracking often begins when expectations feel unclear or unmanageable. It’s important to communicate with your manager and discuss any concerns or issues you may have.
4) You’ve stopped collaborating with your coworkers
If the thought of working with others has become unenjoyable, leading you to skip meetings, avoid team get-togethers, and crave working alone, it can show that you’re disconnecting from your workplace. “Disengagement can be subtle, and you might not even realize it until someone points it out,” Thornton explains.
It’s important to stay connected with your coworkers and maintain a positive working relationship. If you’re feeling disconnected, try reaching out to a colleague and collaborating on a project together.
5) You’re constantly putting off work by doing small, “busy work” tasks
Do you find yourself endlessly researching before actually starting your main task? This may be a sign of stress or fear of failure. “If it’s become your go-to method for delaying the real work, it might be a sign of stress or fear of failure,” says Thornton.
If you find yourself doing this, it’s important to take a step back and assess the root cause of your behavior. Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Don’t be afraid to seek help and support from your colleagues or mental health resources.
What if I think I’m “quiet cracking”?
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it’s important to take action. Recognizing the condition can make it easier to manage, Thornton states. Don’t wait to seek help if you think something’s amiss.
“It’s important to talk to people you trust in the workplace and use mental health resources if you start to experience something like this,” he says. Even just acknowledging that something is off is an important way to start taking steps in the right direction.
Help and support:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, there are resources available to help you. Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393, offers support and advice for those experiencing mental health
