In-Office Employees Are Engaging in Task Masking—And Could Face Termination Because of It

      Imagine this: You've just finished a task that took longer than expected, so you take a moment to relax, putting your feet up and doodling in your notebook at your desk. A colleague strolls by and jokes, “Working hard or hardly working?” You chuckle, enjoy a few more seconds of downtime, and then return to your to-do list. The comment is rhetorical—you're actually working. However, since the trend of task masking among in-office employees has emerged, this lighthearted remark has gained a different significance, prompting employers to question what you're genuinely accomplishing throughout the day.

      Employees (who haven’t already left out of frustration over return-to-office mandates) are reportedly engaging in “task masking” now that they're back in the office. If you find yourself among them, we understand your frustration! But this new behavior isn't making things any easier for you or benefiting your career prospects in the long run. Below, we’ll break down what task masking is and what you can do if it feels like your only option.

      So, what is task masking?

      As Deepali Vyas of Elite Recruiter outlines in a recent TikTok video, task masking is essentially “the art of appearing busy” even when you aren’t getting anything done. This means creating an illusion of productivity by engaging in activities like typing loudly, carrying your laptop around as if it's an accessory, pretending to participate in meetings, or filling your calendar with “busy” slots.

      We all know that “looking busy” isn't a novel concept. Both office and remote workers have practiced this for years (shoutout to you, Sneaky Fridays). In fact, the term “fauxductivity” has emerged from this behavior. However, there’s a distinction: “Looking busy” often stems from needing a break or procrastinating, whereas task masking emerges from a lack of autonomy.

      Employees who have enjoyed more flexibility and have returned to an office now feel pressured to constantly appear busy, even when they have completed their work for the day. While working from home, they might have had to move their mouse to appear active, but they could also fold laundry during a call, take a call from a cozy coffee shop, or leave early if needed. They could work in their own way, and as long as tasks were completed, it went unnoticed. In the office, there’s a constant expectation of productivity—someone is always watching. Thus, making it seem like you’re working—even if you’ve finished everything—feels like the only option.

      How task masking might affect your career

      With return-to-office policies in effect, employers are “conveying the message that presence equates to productivity,” according to Amanda Augustine, a career coach at career.io, as reported by Fortune. Many employees today strongly disagree, having proven capable of completing their work efficiently from home on their own terms. Now back in the office, workers resort to task masking in order to 1) avoid being assigned more tasks merely to occupy their time, or 2) manage their burnout.

      However, what they believe benefits them may actually work against their interests. As Elite Recruiter points out, “You’re not deceiving your boss; you’re hurting your career.” By engaging in task masking, employees send one of two messages to their workplace: “There’s not enough meaningful work” or “I don’t believe what I do is significant,” explains Elite Recruiter. Both scenarios pose significant challenges for both employers and employees. Employers hesitate to compensate employees for eight hours when their tasks only require three, while employees are reluctant to take on additional work to fill their in-office time, especially if they’re already experiencing burnout.

      “Employees who are used to more flexibility and have returned to an office feel the need to always look like they are working, even if all their work is done for the day.”

      However, pretending to be busy long after your work is complete can hinder your performance over time. Furthermore, it undermines communication and trust between employees and managers, which could ultimately affect your chances for raises, promotions, or bonuses. And we certainly cannot afford that in this economy.

      So, what steps can you take?

      If you find yourself engaging in task masking, there is a path out of your exhausting, busybody workdays—and it starts with deep self-reflection. First, Elite Recruiter suggests considering whether what you're doing aligns with what you truly want. Is this job the right fit for you? Do you enjoy the work you’re doing? Is this a work environment you desire to be in? Do you feel valued? If the answers lean towards no, the solution is clear: begin job hunting. You don’t want to risk getting caught frequently task masking and facing termination or taking on excessive work unnecessarily.

      If you conclude that your job is indeed a good fit but your new work routine feels inadequate—whether due to burnout or a lack of autonomy—initiate a discussion with your manager. Now that you’re back