Task Masking: Why Employees Are Pretending to Be Busy at Work

Every office has seen it at some point — the employee frantically moving their mouse, juggling multiple tabs, or scribbling notes with wild enthusiasm, all while the actual output remains underwhelming. This behavior isn’t just a quirk; it’s part of a growing trend called task masking.

Task masking means employees are pretending to be busy to create the illusion of productivity. It’s a phenomenon fueled by workplace culture, management styles, and sometimes even the remote work setups we embraced. It’s not just about slacking off—it’s a survival tactic. But it’s also a hidden productivity killer. Let’s unpack why task masking happens, why it’s so damaging, and what you can do about it.

The Origin Story: Why Do People Mask Tasks?

I’ve seen it firsthand in workplaces of all sizes and industries. When employees feel excessively monitored or pressured to show visible signs of “busy-ness” instead of meaningful results, task masking kicks in. Here are some common roots:

• Fear of Judgement: “If I’m not visibly busy, I’ll be seen as lazy or dispensable.”
• Lack of Trust: Micromanagement and constant check-ins push people to focus on image over substance.
• Unclear Expectations: When goals aren’t transparent or measurable, employees aren’t sure what “productive” looks like.
• Work Overload: Sometimes the actual work feels so overwhelming that pretending to be busy is a defense mechanism to pace themselves.
• Remote Work Challenges: Without physical presence, workers feel they must constantly signal activity — typing, attending endless meetings, or replying rapidly to emails.

The Hidden Costs of Task Masking

At face value, task masking might seem harmless, a harmless game of appearances. But it chips away at the heart of true productivity and workplace wellbeing.

“When busyness becomes the goal, actual progress becomes a casualty.”

Here’s what’s really up when task masking dominates:

• Burnout: Pretending to be busy is exhausting. It’s a constant performance that drains mental energy.
• Lost Time: Time spent on “busy work” or creating busyness doesn’t translate into real results.
• Stunted Growth: Employees focus on managing impressions rather than learning, problem-solving, or innovation.
• Morale Drop: It breeds dissatisfaction as people feel trapped in a cycle of proving their worth without recognition for meaningful achievements.
• Managerial Blindspots: Leaders who rely on busyness as a productivity sign miss out on identifying true performance blockers.

How to Break Free from the Busy Trap

Good news: task masking isn’t an inevitable part of working life. You can flip the script to create space for meaningful productivity and authentic engagement. Here’s how I guide teams to do just that:

1. Set Clear, Outcome-Focused Goals

When everyone knows what success looks like beyond “being busy,” the incentive shifts to delivering results instead of appearances. Use SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound — to anchor work in clarity. Encourage regular review of outcomes, not just hours or tasks.

2. Cultivate a Trust-First Culture

Autonomy is a powerhouse productivity driver. If employees know they aren’t under constant scrutiny, they’ll invest their energy in what matters. Share goals openly, foster honest conversations about workload, and encourage team members to come forward when overwhelmed.

3. Normalize Downtime and Deep Work

Busy doesn’t equal productive. Slotting in focused “deep work” time without interruptions helps employees deliver higher-quality outputs efficiently. Encourage breaks and mental rest—real productivity doesn’t run on nonstop hustle.

4. Lead by Example

Managers and leaders who prioritize meaningful work over visible busyness create safe spaces for their teams. Share your own productivity practices openly, admit when you’re managing tasks strategically—not just sprinting, and celebrate real wins.

5. Use Technology Smarter

Tools can either fuel task masking or dismantle it. Encourage platforms that track progress in outcomes instead of just activity logs. Implement workflows that reduce unnecessary email chains and meetings, freeing time for prioritized deliverables.

Wrapping It Up With Real Talk

Task masking happens because people want to feel secure, recognized, and effective in their work. But pretending to be busy won’t bring that satisfaction; it just adds stress and obscures true capability.

Your best move as an employee or a leader is simple: prioritize impact over image. When you make this shift — clearly define expectations, build trust, and create systems valuing true progress — you unlock more energy, creativity, and fulfillment.

Let’s flip the script on busyness culture and help work be what it’s meant to be: a place where efforts translate into meaningful results, not just frantic motion.

Ethan Rhodes