New survey reveals the hidden toll of employees pushing through burnout

SEATTLE, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new ResumeTemplates.com survey of 1,113 full-time U.S. workers finds that nearly six in 10 are experiencing "quiet cracking" — a workplace phenomenon where employees continue meeting their job responsibilities while secretly struggling with burnout, emotional fatigue, and disengagement.

Majority of workers report quiet cracking
Fifty-nine percent of workers say they are currently experiencing quiet cracking, while another 20% report they have recently. For many, the issue is long-lasting: 28% say it has persisted for three to six months, 19% for six to 12 months, and nearly one in five report dealing with it for over a year.

Younger employees are most affected. Seventy-two percent of Gen Zers and 65% of Millennials say they are quiet cracking, compared to 51% of Gen Xers and 29% of Baby Boomers. Men report higher rates than women (62% vs. 56%).

Excessive workload and personal stress drive the trend
Workers cite an excessive workload (43%) and personal life stress (40%) as the biggest causes, followed by bad management (36%) and repetitive work (34%). Others blame poor compensation (31%), lack of recognition (30%), and limited growth opportunities (28%).

"When their workload is excessive, especially under poor leadership, employees can become anxious," says Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com. "Low compensation and a lack of resources can compound the problem, leaving people feeling undervalued. This data should be a wake-up call for managers. Regular check-ins and proactive leadership are critical to prevent long-term damage."

Emotional fatigue and dread are common signs
Half of quiet crackers report emotional fatigue (50%) and say they dread the workday ahead (50%). Nearly as many report developing a negative outlook on work (44%) or experiencing sleep issues (44%). Other symptoms include headaches (36%), persistent tension (30%), reduced initiative or creativity (28%), and more frequent mistakes (21%).

Coping strategies include time off and job searches
Workers experiencing quiet cracking often turn to coping mechanisms. Forty-three percent say they have taken time off, while 36% have explored new job opportunities. Others confide in someone they trust (34%), talk with their manager (26%), or request more flexibility (24%).

Some workers report significant improvement (24%), though most say relief is only partial. For those who fully resolved the issue, common steps included taking time off (44%), confiding in someone (27%), or changing jobs altogether (13%).

"Leaving a frustrating or unfulfilling job might feel like the quickest fix, but it's not always the best first step," adds Toothacre. "Before jumping ship, it's important to identify the root cause of your struggle. Understanding what's really driving your frustration helps you avoid repeating the same cycle."

Quiet cracking is fueling turnover intentions
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of workers experiencing quiet cracking say they are likely to leave their jobs in the next six months. About one in three (31%) say they are very likely to change jobs, while another 31% say they are somewhat likely.

This survey was conducted in August 2025 via Pollfish among 1,113 full-time U.S. workers who met specific demographic and screening criteria.

The full report is available here: https://www.resumetemplates.com/6-in-10-workers-are-quiet-cracking/

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SOURCE ResumeTemplates.com