India, Aug. 19 -- There is a new kind of disengagement showing up at the workplace. It is quiet, hard to detect, but increasingly common. Employees are present, completing tasks, attending meetings, and meeting deadlines. But internally, many are mentally checked out, emotionally exhausted, and simply going through the motions. Quiet cracking means that employees continue to perform their duties but gradually lose emotional connection to their work. According to Gallup's 2025 State of the Global Workplace report, only 21% employees globally felt engaged at work. In India, the 2024 report revealed that 86% employees described themselves as struggling or suffering at work, rather than 'thriving'. Neuropsychiatrist Dr Deeksha Parthsarthi says, "One of the first signs is persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest. People may also notice irritability or mood swings, or a sense of mental fog where even small tasks feel overwhelming." Other signs include loss of interest in everyday activities, and gradual withdrawal from social or professional circles. Psychiatrist Dr Sneha Sharma suggests setting emotional boundaries at work. "Make space for breaks. Step away from screens, stretch, or just sit in silence. Even five minutes of deep breathing can create mental reset points during the day," she shares....