‘Loud working’ takes up 131 hours a year — and employees are quitting because of it

Would these expectations prompt you to look for work elsewhere? (Picture: Getty Images) As a general rule, Brits aren’t especially fond of bragging. We’re far more comfortable making self-deprecating jokes than we are boasting about our achievements. However, there’s one exception, a particular place where gloating is not only socially acceptable, it’s a requirement. And that is, of course, LinkedIn. Dubbed ‘the humblebrag Olympics’ by users on TikTok, the constant sharing of achievements on LinkedIn is a prime example of ‘loud working’ culture. But while some employers see encouraging workers to make their successes more visible to the outside world as a benefit to the company, some employees find the practice so off-putting and ‘performative’, that they’re actually quitting in protest. New research from Tide, leading company registration provider, reveals that more than one in four (27%) UK workers have considered leaving a job because of a ‘loud working’ culture or because colleagues are particularly vocal about their own work and achievements. Nearly one in ten workers have already walked out because of it. Would a ‘loud working’ company culture drive you mad or keep you motivated? (Picture: Getty Images) What is ‘loud working’? Loud working is pretty much what it says on the tin. Rather than keeping your achievements under your hat, you make sure everyone around you is in the know. And it’s not just about posting on LinkedIn. If you work for an employer that promotes a loud working company culture, it could also mean being encouraged to give yourself a shout out in the company-wide group chat on Slack, or making sure your voice is always heard in meetings. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. But while some people might take ‘loud working’ in their stride, others find the it inauthentic. ‘A symptom of a worrying workplace culture’ Jim Moore, employee relations expert at HR consultants Hamilton Nash, tells Metro that, in his opinion, this is a symptom of a ‘worrying workplace culture’. ‘Every workplace always had its share of show-offs, but now it’s been rebranded for the LinkedIn generation. ‘Too many employees feel their efforts won’t be appreciated or seen unless they broadcast it 20 times a day,’ he shares. Some employers claim that ‘loud working’ has helped them bring in new clients and bolster their appeal (Picture: Getty Images) Across the UK, Tide reports that workers spend an average of 2.8 hours a week making their work visible. Over a year, that adds up to 131 hours, or more than 17 working days. ‘A need for constant self-promotion suggests that a business’s leaders value performative productivity, rather than actually seeing and rewarding good, valuable work,’ Jim adds. ‘The fact that a quarter of workers have considered leaving a job because of it shows how toxic this habit can be. ‘Quieter colleagues who simply get on with the work feel punished, despite the fact that they’re the ones driving the company forward.’ It’s all about how you approach it However, while career coach and workplace expert Hannah Salton agrees that the concept of ‘loud working’ is divisive, she also sees its merits. ‘The key to bear in mind is the nuance of how you approach this,’ she explains. If an employee engages in ‘loud working’ it could potentially help them get recognised which could lead to a promotion or a pay rise. However, if individuals are being rewarded solely for being active about their achievements online it can feel unfair. Would a 'loud working' company culture put you off? ‘Companies expecting employees to post about work on social media can backfire. Sharing wins online works best when the individual wants to do it and it feels real. ‘Being asked to post on cue can be frustrating, especially if the person is private, uncomfortable being visible or just not interested in building a public profile,’ Hannah tells Metro. Employees shouldn’t necessarily feel as though they have to be constantly posting about their wins online in order to be recognised by their employer (Picture: Getty Images) ‘It can also send the wrong message,’ she adds. Without even realising it, employers might be inadvertently asking too much of their workers. Ultimately, being a LinkedIn hype person isn’t necessarily in anyone’s job description. Over time, a ‘loud working’ environment could lead to resentment, lower motivation and, for some, a decision to leave. ‘A culture where people share good news because they are proud of it will always do more for a brand than one where they feel obliged to.’ Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Teenage waitress on £7 an hour wins £13,000 after being sworn at for dropping apple crumble Arrow MORE: Forget coffee, people can’t decide if it’s acceptable to bring notes into a job interview Arrow MORE: Britain’s biggest wage winners and losers of the last 20 years