Emotional Stress at Workplace in UAE May Be Known as 'Quiet Cracking', According to Experts

In today's fast-paced business world, a new term has been gaining traction - 'quiet cracking'. This insidious issue, affecting a significant number of employees, is a hidden challenge in workplaces where employees remain in their roles but feel increasingly unsettled and detached.

According to Pedro Lacerda, Country Head UAE at TASC Group, quiet cracking is not just about exhaustion, but the slow breakdown of feeling fulfilled at work due to uncertainty in the job market, limited pathways for growth, fear of outdated skills, and the impact of AI.

One example of this phenomenon can be seen in the case of Sabina, a 22-year-old employee who has been consistently overworking for over a year due to her company's financial struggles. Another instance is SK, an employee who started experiencing quiet cracking due to working late nights during Ramadan and a lack of consideration.

The issue of employees experiencing similar work-related stress and exhaustion has been trending on social media platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn. In fact, one in five workers in the US are reportedly stuck in a "persistent state of workplace unhappiness" leading to "disengagement, poor performance, or plans to quit."

Quiet cracking is different from 'quiet quitting', a term that refers to an intentional act of resistance where employees fulfill their contractual duties but deliberately refuse to do extra work or unpaid overtime, aiming to protect their work-life balance in response to toxic workplace cultures. Quiet cracking, however, involves employees who keep working but feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and despairing because no amount of effort seems sufficient, often due to economic pressure or multiple jobs.

Recognizing the importance of employee wellbeing, workplaces can introduce initiatives such as raising awareness on conditions like burnout, giving wellness days off, providing flexible work timings, taking anonymous feedback from employees, promoting proper work-life balance, and creating spaces for open communication when employees feel burnt out.

To maintain a healthy and successful workplace, early signs of an employee struggling should be addressed with empathy, discretion, and a structured approach.

For employees, implementing practices such as setting boundaries, learning effective time management techniques, practising mindfulness, switching off from work, communicating openly, prioritizing rest, maintaining a wellness journal, and seeking professional help if needed can help avoid 'cracking'.

However, consistently high workload, unrealistic deadlines, a lack of control over schedules and tasks, politics within companies, favoritism, and the lack of recognition or appreciation are major contributors to employee burnout and quiet cracking. Heba Ali, another employee, highlights the negative impact of being overlooked, receiving no recognition, or appreciation on an employee's mental health.

It's important to note that quiet cracking can lead to burnout and eventually clinical depression if left unchecked. Sabina's work environment is taking a toll on her, leading to daily tears and feelings of exhaustion.

In conclusion, addressing quiet cracking is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps to support employees, businesses can foster a culture of wellbeing and prevent the insidious effects of quiet cracking from taking hold.

Emotional Stress at Workplace in UAE May Be Known as 'Quiet Cracking', According to Experts