In today’s workplace, not all disengagement looks like absenteeism. Some employees show up daily, meet deadlines, and attend meetings—but inside, they’ve already checked out. This quiet crisis is called resenteeism, and it’s more common than you might think.
What Is Resenteeism?
Resenteeism is the emotional state in which employees resent their roles but cannot leave. It’s not loud or disruptive—it’s subtle, masked by surface-level productivity and polite nods in meetings. But beneath the surface, it drains the individual and the culture around them.
Also Read: Miserable But Staying? Why “Resenteeism” is Worse than Quiet Quitting
Warning Signs
Reluctance to take on new responsibilities
A consistently negative tone in communication
Avoidance of optional meetings or team activities
Flat, indifferent reactions to praise or feedback
What Can Organizations Do? Resenteeism isn’t solved with a pizza party or a motivational email. It requires:
Honest conversations about how people are really feeling
Recognition that feels personal and meaningful
Opportunities for growth that reignite purpose
Let’s stop mistaking presence for engagement. The cost of resenteeism is too high to ignore—and the solution starts with listening.
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Related Content
HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.