Discover the path to technojoy
Dig into our findings and discover expert insights and best practices for tackling technostress and quiet cracking within your organisation.
Understanding the human cost of digital transformation
Digital transformation promised streamlined ways of working, empowered teams, and seamless tech experiences.
However, original research from Adaptavist shows that knowledge workers are struggling under the weight of technology initiatives, and that 'technostress' is eating away at productivity.
Discover the hidden drivers behind technostress—and how you can get your teams on the path to technojoy.
The 'Quiet Cracking' phenomenon, uncovered
We asked 4,000 knowledge workers how motivated and productive they feel at work, if they feel connected to the work they are executing, how technology enables their work, and more. Our findings reveal that 'quiet cracking', a persistent feeling of unhappiness and disengagement in the workforce, is affecting swathes of knowledge workers globally.
0%
of knowledge workers report feeling less motivated in the past year.
0%
of knowledge workers have felt unappreciated by managers in the past year.
0%
of knowledge workers have experienced emotional withdrawal in the past year.
Is technology to blame for unhappy employees?
Workplace tech hasn't had an impact on my wellbeing
Workplace tech has had an impact on my wellbeing
Many business leaders are underestimating the role technology plays on the employee experience, and general wellbeing.
Understanding the true impact of technostress on the workforce
Workplace tech has had a negative impact on my life at some point.
64%
Getting too many notifications/using too many platforms causes me stress.
43%
I worry that my tone may be misinterpreted when communicating digitally.
28%
I often experience tech overwhelm.
27%
I experience stress as a result of pressure to be connected outside of working hours.
19%
74% of knowledge workers tell us they often don't understand why they are working on a task.
Our research shows that workers who always understand the ‘why’ behind their assigned tasks are less likely to experience the symptoms of quiet cracking than those who don’t.
Too often, teams are left executing without a clear line of sight to the ‘why’ behind their work. This research shows the true effect this has on engagement, motivation, and retention, and highlights that it’s a growing problem that leaders can't afford to ignore.
Chris Davidson
Principal Solutions Engineer, Atlassian
This research confirms our core belief: the best technology doesn't just measure productivity, it enables it. 60% of knowledge workers say productivity is regularly measured using tech, and nearly half reported that workplace technology actually increases their tech autonomy. This shows that transparency and measurement, done right, become empowerment tools.
Ophir Penso
VP of GTM, monday.com
Spot the signs of quiet cracking in your organisation
The true impact of meeting overload
Workers are drowning in meetings, with people spending as much time in meetings each week as they are with friends in their personal lives. This is contributing to ‘technostress’ and ‘quiet cracking'.
On average, knowledge workers are now spending...
On average, knowledge workers are now spending...
As much time in meetings as with friends each week
50 days per year in meetings
Significantly more time using AI than with their friends
Is your workforce at war with AI?
Our research reveals that concerns about AI's impact on skills and job security is leading to psychological warfare, with staffers ‘gatekeeping’ personal strengths.
- 60% of knowledge workers are concerned about losing access to important knowledge when colleagues leave or retire
- 35% admit they are reluctant to share ideas and information for fear of being replaced by AI
- 38% say they are reluctant to train colleagues in areas they consider to be personal strengths.
These findings highlight that quiet cracking is a symptom of systemic neglect in how technology, communication, and culture intersect at work.
But by prioritising a culture of clarity and autonomy, providing the right tools and training, ensuring purposeful communication, and treating technology and AI as an enabler of human potential, organisations can reverse the tide.
Neal Riley
Innovation Lead, The Adaptavist Group
Insights from word-leading collaboration tool providers
