'Fauxductivity' refers to the phenomenon where employees appear to be busy or engaged in work activities without actually being productive. This behavior has been noted in both remote and hybrid work settings, where employees may take actions to demonstrate their presence, such as keeping messaging apps open or walking around the office, rather than focusing on meaningful work.

According to a survey from Workhuman, about 50% of managers believe their staff are engaging in 'fauxductivity.' Interestingly, while 70% of workers claim they are not pretending to work, 40% of managers admit to faking productivity themselves. This suggests a significant disconnect in perceptions of productivity in hybrid work settings.

Managers can improve productivity by setting clearer expectations for their employees' performance. This involves defining specific outcomes and deliverables rather than relying on physical presence as an indicator of productivity. By focusing on measurable results and providing clear guidelines, managers can help alleviate the anxiety surrounding visibility and productivity in hybrid work settings.