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Task masking is a tactic that consists of pretending to be extremely busy at work, even though the daily activities have been completed. This behavior has become common among professionals who returned to the office after the remote working period, especially among Generation Z.
A survey conducted by the human resources platform Workhuman revealed that 36% of Generation Z employees admit to adopting this strategy. Interestingly, this practice is not exclusive to the young: 38% of bosses and 37% of middle managers also pretend to be busy.
The Impact of Returning to the Office for Generation Z
Unlike previous generations, Generation Z entered the job market in a predominantly remote context. With the requirement to return to the office, many young people had to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and a new professional dynamic.
The lack of experience with the in-person model meant that many young people found it difficult to demonstrate their productivity in traditional ways. Therefore, task masking emerged as a way to protect themselves from an overload of work, ensuring that their hours in the office did not result in an excessive increase in demands.
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Luciano Hang’s cousin left Havan after nearly a decade, invested in real estate, and now manages R$ 6 billion in launches; the entrepreneur, who only gets paid when he sells, claims to have sold out an entire building in Santa Catarina in just 45 minutes.
Does Pretending to Be Busy Really Affect Productivity?
Although it may seem counterproductive, pretending to be busy has not negatively impacted productivity. According to Workhuman’s study, 70% of employees who adopt this practice claim they can accomplish their tasks in less time than expected.
In other words, Generation Z is managing to do more in less time. However, by realizing that their tasks are being completed quickly, these professionals fear that their bosses will overload them further, forcing them to take on new tasks without real necessity.
The Theater of Productivity in the Corporate Environment
Corporate culture often values physical presence more than actual productivity. As a result, many young people feel they need to demonstrate constant busyness to avoid being seen as “uncommitted.” This phenomenon has been called the “theater of productivity,” in which employees spend more time maintaining the appearance of work than actually performing their duties.
This practice, however, is not limited to the younger generation. Many senior executives and managers also pretend to be busier than they really are, perpetuating a cycle in which efficiency is ignored in favor of an illusory dedication to work.
The Reasons Behind This Strategy
The main reason young people adopt task masking is the pursuit of a balance between professional and personal life. Generation Z values a work environment that respects their mental health and free time.
There is a fear that by demonstrating efficiency, managers will increase their responsibilities, making their routines exhausting. Thus, task masking emerges as a way to avoid overload and preserve their well-being.
The Cycle of Stress Generated by Task Masking
Although it may seem like a viable solution, pretending to be busy can generate a new type of stress. The need to maintain a credible appearance of constant productivity requires significant mental effort.
The psychological burden of pretending to be always busy can become exhausting, creating a sense of fatigue without a real increase in workload. This can lead to professional dissatisfaction and demotivation.
Sei o que é isso! Dar nó em pingo dágua, continuando a só entregar o referente ao que se recebe! Ninguém vai voltar ao presencial fazendo mais do que já fazia! Quando cortaram os meus direitos, eu reduzi simultaneamente as minhas obrigações e priorizei ainda mais a minha saúde! O patrão continuou rico e eu aposentei com saúde e qualidade de vida!!!