'Loud Working' trend emerges among Canadian employees worried about layoffs and AI

TORONTO — A new workplace trend known as "Loud Working" is drawing growing attention, amid employees' fears of losing their jobs and the changes artificial intelligence is bringing to the labour market.

The approach involves highlighting professional achievements and speaking clearly about completed tasks in front of managers and colleagues, rather than working quietly and waiting for efforts to be recognized.

But employment experts warn against confusing the showing of real results with trying to appear constantly busy, stressing that a lot of visible activity does not necessarily mean higher productivity.

What is Loud Working?

The term Loud Working refers to a practice in which employees make their professional contributions more visible within the organization.

It can include sending regular project updates, documenting results, taking part in meetings and informing management of progress made.

This behaviour differs from boasting about accomplishments. In its positive form, it aims to make sure managers know the value of the work being done.

However, some employees may go too far in sending messages and attending meetings to show they are busy, even when these activities add no real value.

Specialists say the problem begins when proving activity becomes a goal in itself, rather than focusing on the quality of results.

Fear of job loss behind the new trend

Economic uncertainty helps explain why some workers are interested in raising their professional visibility.

A survey published by the Angus Reid Institute in September 2026 found that 87 per cent of employed Canadians consider their current jobs secure.

But 77 per cent of people who are looking for work, or know someone who is, described the job market as bad or very bad.

These findings point to a gap between current employees' sense of security and the difficulty of finding a new opportunity after losing a job.

In such conditions, some workers may believe that highlighting their contributions helps management appreciate the importance of keeping them.

AI adds pressure on employees

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence is an additional factor in changing behaviour inside organizations.

Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index report showed that 66 per cent of AI users in Canada fear falling behind if they do not adapt quickly to the technology.

In addition, 49 per cent feel that focusing on current goals is safer than redesigning ways of working using these tools.

As intelligent systems become more capable of carrying out some tasks, showing skills and achievements becomes a possible way to prove professional value.

However, a study published by Statistics Canada in October did not find broad evidence that AI has so far caused a major drop in hiring rates or a rise in job loss rates.

Can Loud Working protect against layoffs?

There is not enough evidence to show that adopting this behaviour gives an employee direct protection from losing their job.

Layoff decisions may depend on factors beyond individual performance, such as a company's finances, restructuring and economic changes.

Overstating activity can also leave a negative impression if it is not accompanied by measurable results.

Researchers warn of a related phenomenon known as "productivity theatre," in which an employee tries to look busy without making an actual contribution.

Documenting real achievements is therefore different from manufacturing extra activity just to catch managers' attention.

How can employees highlight their achievements?

Employees can apply the positive side of this trend by giving brief project updates and explaining the results achieved and how they contribute to the organization's goals.

Keeping a record of achievements also helps in preparing for performance reviews and discussing promotions and pay raises.

It is also important to set priorities with a direct supervisor and make sure the effort being made matches the organization's needs.

This approach does not require constant messages or longer working hours, but better communication about the value the employee provides.

Balancing productivity and professional visibility

The spread of the Loud Working discussion comes as workplaces undergo rapid change driven by technology and slower hiring in some sectors.

Although highlighting achievements may help employees gain recognition, it is not a substitute for developing skills or delivering good results.

The main challenge for workers remains combining real performance with clear professional communication, without turning the workday into a series of activities meant to show they are busy.