Write an article about Pretending to work? Here’s why ‘task masking’ is on the rise .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from ‘Task masking’ is linked to other workplace trends such as ‘productivity theatre’, ‘mouse jiggling’ and ‘fauxductivity’ – creating the illusion of doing more than you actually are. (Envato Elements pic)
In a workplace practice known as “task masking”, employees are sharing methods on social media on how to appear busy without actually being productive.
Task masking, which is about giving the impression of being productive, has become increasingly popular in the wake of return-to-office (RTO) regulations enforced by many organisations.
In recent months, numerous TikTok videos showcasing this trend have received over a million views. Although it may appear to be a Gen Z trick, task masking is actually indicative of more serious workplace problems that companies need to address.
“Task maskers” use a variety of methods for looking busy, such as:
- typing loudly to give the impression they are working hard;
- walking quickly while holding a laptop;
- making sounds of irritation to create the illusion that they are dealing with challenging work;
- gesturing dramatically while feigning business calls;
- shuffling the mouse to simulate multitasking on a blank screen – a concept known as “mouse jiggling”.
Task masking is a component of a larger movement that includes “productivity theatre” – performing chores that are visible but have no purpose; “fauxductivity”, a portmanteau of “faux” and “productivity”; and “quiet quitting”, i.e. doing only what is necessary.
It is more than just about laziness – it is frequently a response to leadership choices and workplace culture. Here are some reasons why workers do it:
1. Resistance to RTO mandates
Many employers believe being physically present increases productivity. But after proving their ability to work just as productively from home, staff are viewing task masking as a means of drawing attention to the inefficiencies of RTO regulations.
2. A response to workplace control
Compared with earlier generations, Gen Z prioritises flexibility and work-life balance. They oppose conventional business arrangements that value hours spent over actual output.
Having too little or too much work can lead one to disengage and experience exhaustion and burnout. (Envato Elements pic)
3. Burnout and low engagement
Some employees may not have enough fulfilling work to warrant spending the entire day in the workplace. Others feel overworked or undervalued in a setting that places the appearance of busyness over actual productivity.
4. Generation shifts
Gen Z workers disapprove of “hustle culture”, which views putting in more hours and working harder as a virtue. Instead, they advocate mental wellness, solid boundaries, and equitable pay, all of which impacts their involvement at work.
What this means for employers
Task masking is a leadership challenge as much as an employee issue. Instead of taking harsh measures, companies should reconsider their workplace culture by:
- paying attention to results rather than hours: performance should be evaluated based on output rather than desk time;
- rethinking RTO regulations: if staff were doing well working from home, perhaps it would be counterproductive to force them to be in the office;
- increasing employee engagement: offering clear career progression possibilities, professional development, and meaningful work;
- prioritising trust over surveillance: motivated workers are more likely to be genuinely productive, and not do tasks for the sake of doing tasks.
Ultimately, organisations should deal with the underlying causes of disengagement rather than police appearances. Task masking does not happen when employees are assigned important work, and feel trusted and appreciated.
This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.
Read more articles from Jobstore here.
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