Quitting your job is one solution. But the career expert Laurie Ruettimann suggests slacking. Backing off 10-20% from your usual work ethic will help preserve your mental health, she said.

Though employees caught faking remote work grab headlines, the real-world impact of lost productivity, employee deceit and the hidden costs of battling the problem aren't well understood.

Don't be afraid to pipe up if the slacking becomes disruptive, however, said Emily Post, an etiquette expert at The Emily Post Institute Inc., based in Burlington, Vt.

It’s a people problem. The person who’s slacking off or gaming the system would likely behave that way in any setting: in-person, hybrid, or fully remote. That’s the first thing to recognize.

In theory, at least, you may be more vulnerable to slacking at work, skipping the gym, going off your diet, or relapsing to an old smoking habit. Less sleeping, more slacking ...

Besides, the alleged slacker could be working at home until 2 a.m. for all you know. If the person really is slacking, it will show in his or her performance sooner or later.