Productivity Theater: The New Normal in the Workplace
The once-popular phrase, "Dance like nobody's watching," has been flipped on its head in today's U.S. workplace. With the threat of layoffs looming, the rise of surveillance tools, and concerns about the effectiveness of remote work, employees are increasingly engaging in "productivity theater" and "the mouse shuffle." These tactics involve working as if their employers are constantly watching, even when they're not.
A study by Visier found that when businesses pressure employees to perform, workers often prioritize tasks that make them appear productive and visible to management, rather than focusing on impactful work. This "looking busy" mentality can lead to a toxic work culture where employees feel compelled to constantly move their mouse, keep their laptop screens awake, and prioritize tasks that are easily seen, even if they're not the most important.
A more recent study by BambooHR revealed that this trend persists in 2024. Over 79% of in-office employees and 88% of remote workers reported using performative tactics to show they were working. Additionally, a quarter of executives admitted to hoping for employee turnover when implementing return-to-office policies.
Workhuman's study, "Fauxductivity," further highlights the toxic culture of performative work. While the majority of employees deny faking activity, nearly half of managers admit it's a common issue on their teams. Surprisingly, this behavior is more prevalent among managers and C-suite executives than individual contributors.
The primary reasons for faking productivity include better work-life balance, appeasing management, and burnout. Managers who admit to faking productivity often cite distractions, burnout, personal responsibilities, or laziness as factors contributing to their behavior.
The Psychological Impact of Productivity Anxiety
"Productivity anxiety" – the feeling that employees must always be "on" and there's always more they should be doing – is pervasive in today's workplace. Over 50% of respondents reported feeling pressured to respond immediately to messages and be available for after-hours meetings.
A previous Workhuman analysis found that while 61% of U.S. workers say they're productive at work, it comes at a cost. A significant 80% report having "productivity anxiety," and over one-third experience it multiple times a week. This strain not only impacts individual workers but also permeates team dynamics and ultimately shapes the culture and bottom line of an entire organization.
Addressing the Culture of Performative Productivity
Meisha-ann Martin, senior director of people analytics and research at Workhuman, believes that cultivating a culture of psychological safety is essential to offset productivity anxiety and faux activity. She notes that employees are facing numerous stressors, both professional and personal, which can contribute to low well-being.
The Workhuman report concludes that low productivity and faux activity are symptoms of a poor culture, creating a toxic cycle of performative productivity and performance anxiety. It suggests that the solution lies in addressing systemic cultural issues rather than scrutinizing individual workers.
Managers, in particular, can play a crucial role in promoting a workplace culture that allows employees to be human and admit when they're struggling. By resisting the urge to keep up appearances and taking breaks themselves, managers can help create a more sustainable and productive work environment.