It is a common saying that until you reach where you want to, you better pretend or popularly, fake it till you make it. Most corporate employees believe in this motto. They rush to office, attend meetings, skip lunch, send emails, talk to their clients, and appear so engrossed in work that they barely have any time to breathe. But is there any productivity out of this ? None!
This exact pattern of faking productivity is being known as fauxductivity. In this way of work life, real productivity does not take place and only the hard work that is being ‘showcased’ becomes the highlight. What is concerning here is what this pattern could mean for the companies and the employees themselves. Will this lead to any growth?
How this affects employees & the companies?
This phenomenon negatively affects both employees and companies. For employees, fauxductivity leads to burnout and job dissatisfaction. “I spend hours juggling tasks, but at the end of the day, I realise I’ve accomplished nothing substantial,” says a hypothetical marketing coordinator, Sarah D. The constant need to look busy creates stress, reduces creativity, and hampers personal growth.
For companies, fauxductivity drains resources and stifles innovation. Projects get delayed, decision-making slows, and true productivity declines. “We confuse activity with achievement,” notes an imaginary HR manager, Tom L. “Teams are busy, but not effective, which impacts overall performance.”
Why do employees pretend to be busy?
Why do people pretend to be busy? The pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, fear of judgment, and a culture that equates busyness with success are key drivers. Employees may feel that visible busyness protects them from criticism or job insecurity. Moreover, in many corporate environments, being busy is often rewarded more than actual results, reinforcing this behavior.
Breaking the cycle of fauxductivity requires a cultural shift. Companies should focus on outcome-based performance metrics, encourage regular breaks for mental clarity, and promote open discussions about workload and priorities. By valuing efficiency over constant activity, organisations can create healthier, more productive workplaces where employees feel empowered to focus on what truly matters.
