The concept of task masking, or faux productivity, existed long before Gen Z started talking about it on TikTok. Pexels
A new workplace trend called “task masking” is gaining attention on social media, particularly on TikTok. However, experts say it has existed long before Gen Z or even TikTok itself. Task masking, also known as "fauxductivity," is when employees make it seem like they’re busy without actually being productive.
Common examples include aggressively typing on a keyboard, walking quickly with a laptop, keeping headphones on all day, or staring intensely at a screen while zoning out. Though many assume that Gen Z started this trend, Gervase Bushe, a professor at Simon Fraser University, says it has been around for over 40 years.
In an interview, Bushe explained that a lack of supervision due to a shrinking workforce and the rise of technology in offices have made task masking more common. He believes it happens when employees feel disconnected from their work.
A Workplace Culture Problem?
Bushe pointed out that employees often feel no real connection to their company’s success. "They don't care because the company hasn’t created an environment where people feel valued," he said.
A survey by the Global Human Workplace Index found that 48% of managers believe employees often fake productivity. Surprisingly, 38% of top executives and 37% of managers admitted to engaging in task masking themselves. In comparison, only 32% of non-managers said they do it.
The survey also suggested that fauxductivity is often a response to poor workplace culture. Many employees feel they have to look busy, even when they are exhausted or struggling with work-life balance.
What’s Causing This Trend?
Experts say several factors contribute to task masking, including financial stress, burnout, and lack of motivation. Bushe believes that economic struggles, including high living costs, have made workers feel like hard work doesn’t always pay off.
“Young people look at rent prices and realize they can barely afford to live, let alone buy a home,” Bushe said. “When you work hard and still can’t get ahead, it affects motivation.”
The survey found that 54% of employees admitted to doing the bare minimum when they weren’t engaged. It also noted that workplaces with strict time-tracking often push employees into fauxductivity. When workers feel like every second must be accounted for, they are more likely to focus on appearing busy rather than actually being productive.
Can It Be Fixed?
Bushe believes that one major issue is the lack of human connection in workplaces, especially with remote work becoming more common. He said that in traditional workplaces, employees felt a stronger sense of belonging, which motivated them to be productive.
The survey suggested that creating a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable admitting when they need a break, could help reduce fauxductivity. Encouraging genuine engagement rather than just the appearance of work could lead to a healthier and more effective workplace.
