- HR Brain Pickings
- Posts
- 🎭 has RTO triggered a rise in "task masking"?
🎭 has RTO triggered a rise in "task masking"?
when looking busy is the new busy
In partnership with
Happy Tuesday HR friends!👋
Today we’re pondering task masking in the office 🧠
Many of you will have seen the TikTok trend: in the wake of aggressive RTO policies, more employees feel like they need to show how busy they are in the office. Even when they’re not?! A tricky conundrum for us in HR!
So a bit of a lighter topic today after we’ve explored some heavier issues earlier in the month.
PS. Don’t share this with anyone you know at DOGE, they’ll hit the roof when they find out!
We’ll be in touch with more content to help you create a happier workplace for your teams, later this week!✨💪
In Today’s Edition
🎭 The Real Deal with Task Masking
🛋️ The Break Room: Is this happening in your office?
📚 Human Readsources: Workers less interested in workplace friendships now, Starbucks laying off 1,100 corporate employees globally, Major banks abandon diversity hiring programs.
Quick, look busy…
Homer would be an expert in task masking.
As 60% of workers contemplate quitting over flexibility and productivity plummets upon returning to the office, we're witnessing more than just a workplace preference shift - we're seeing a fundamental breakdown in how we define and measure productive work.
The rise of "task masking" - where employees deliberately appear busy while managing their actual workload differently - isn't just about watching Netflix behind spreadsheets; it's a direct response to outdated systems that prioritize presence over performance, and visibility over value.
For HR leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how do we bridge the gap between traditional productivity metrics and the evolving nature of knowledge work? The answer lies not in surveillance or control, but in reimagining what meaningful work looks like in today's hybrid landscape.
The time has come to move beyond superficial productivity theater and create frameworks that actually measure impact, not activity. This means developing new success metrics, embracing asynchronous work patterns, and fostering a culture of trust that focuses on outcomes rather than just hours logged. Otherwise, it might be your office on the next viral TikTok video?!👀
Presented by
Get a List of the Best HRIS Software for Your Company
You can now use SSR's free HR software matching service to find the best HRIS, ATS, and Payroll Software for your company. SSR's HR software experts will tailor a vendor shortlist based on your unique needs, packaged with advice to save you time and money.
No fees, no commitments. Just insights from HR experts who truly understand these tools.
Join over 15,000 companies that SSR has helped find the right HR software!
🎭 The Real Deal with Task Masking
Task masking - the art of looking busy at work - has exploded into a full-blown workplace phenomenon. It's not just about minimized Minesweeper (ok am I showing my age?) windows anymore; it's become a silent protest against rigid return-to-office policies and outdated productivity metrics.
As HR pros, we're caught in the middle of this performative productivity theater, and it's time we addressed it head-on.
The numbers tell a compelling story: 60% of remote workers would rather quit than lose their flexibility, yet many companies still equate physical presence with productivity. This disconnect is creating a culture where employees feel pressured to perform "busy work" rather than focus on actual output, leading to decreased engagement and potential talent drain.
Here's the fix: Instead of monitoring mouse movements or tracking bathroom breaks, focus on deliverables and outcomes. Consider implementing focus groups to understand employee concerns, maintain flexible work arrangements where possible, and create clear productivity metrics that don't rely on physical presence.
Remember: if your team is resorting to task masking, it's not a behavior problem - it's a culture problem that needs addressing at its root.
🔗 Relevant links
👀 TLDR
Task masking = employees acting busy in the office (and then sometimes posting about it to TikTok😬) to meet outdated face-time expectations. Let's tackle the real issue (broken workplace culture) instead of policing people pretending to work.
⚡ Takeaway and Try
- 📈 Implement a "Performance Metrics Overhaul" by conducting department-by-department workshops to redefine success metrics. Replace time-based measurements with outcome-focused KPIs. Create a scorecard template, pilot with one department for 90 days, and track both traditional and new metrics side-by-side to demonstrate impact through productivity increases and employee satisfaction scores.
- 🎯 Develop "Role Success Profiles" that clearly outline expected outcomes rather than activities. Work with managers to identify 3-5 key deliverables per role, create measurement frameworks, and establish quarterly review processes. Monitor performance ratings, employee retention rates, and achievement of team objectives to gauge effectiveness.
- 📱 Launch a "Workplace Flexibility Framework" that establishes core collaboration hours (e.g., 10am-2pm) while allowing flexible scheduling around these hours. Create clear guidelines, train managers on implementation, and use digital tools to track team availability. Measure productivity metrics, employee satisfaction, and collaboration effectiveness.
- 🔄 Institute monthly "Productivity Best Practices" sessions where top performers share their workflow strategies and time management techniques. Document these insights, create a digital resource library, and implement peer mentoring programs. Track adoption rates of shared practices and their impact on team efficiency.
☕ The Break Room: What's Your Take?
📚 Human Readsources
🏢 Work Friendships Decline as Job Loyalty Fades (HR Dive) - Workers increasingly avoid workplace friendships amid changing job dynamics.
⚖️ Starbucks Cuts 1,100 Corporate Jobs in Global Restructuring (AP News) - Starbucks cuts 1,100 corporate jobs amid operational restructuring efforts.
📊 Citigroup, KPMG Drop DEI Programs Amid Legal Pressure (Personnel Today) - Major companies drop DEI programs amid government policy changes.
Thanks for reading to the end and we hope today’s edition sparked some new ideas for your workplace! 🧠
We know you’re super busy and really appreciate you letting us into your inbox a few times a week. 😀
On a scale of 1 to HR, how much do you like this edition? |
Reply