8 Red Flags of ‘Productivity Peacocking’ You Shouldn’t Ignore in the Office

Colleagues who focus more on discussing work than on completing it can be quite frustrating.

It’s not uncommon for individuals to appear extremely engaged in their tasks, but how can you discern if they are truly busy or merely putting on an act? This phenomenon, often called “productivity peacocking,” involves inflating one’s level of busyness to seem more significant. Recognizing the indicators of this behavior is crucial for fostering a productive work environment.

Here are some typical signs that a colleague may be more focused on faking things than on actual work.

Walking Too Fast

Some individuals in office corridors tend to walk at a brisk pace, often catching the eye of those around them. In many instances, these fast walkers are merely putting on a show of busyness, even though they may not have much to do.

Too Many Meetings

Many colleagues often express that they are caught up in back-to-back meetings, using this as a reason to sidestep real work. They ensure that everyone knows about their ‘hectic schedule,’ yet their productivity remains low. While they assert that they lack time for tasks due to constant meetings, a closer examination reveals that their input during these meetings, or in general, is quite limited. Frequently, they arrange unnecessary meetings merely to occupy their time and project an image of busyness, despite these gatherings lacking clear objectives and yielding no tangible outcomes.

Amplifying significance of tasks assigned

Some colleagues have a talent for transforming straightforward tasks into urgent situations. They frequently amplify the significance of their responsibilities, presenting everything as if it demands immediate action. This tendency generates unnecessary turmoil and shifts attention away from other vital projects. They often seek affirmation for trivial accomplishments, turning everyday tasks into theatrical displays that require an audience to observe their ‘challenges.’ This craving for recognition can divert the team’s focus and impede overall efficiency.

Discussing work extensively instead of focusing on completing it

Colleagues who focus more on discussing work than on completing it can be quite frustrating. Some often hit “reply all” in emails when a brief response would suffice, or they arrange pointless motivational calls that only serve to waste time.

They may claim to be “working late,” yet their actual productivity during regular hours is low. Sending emails at odd hours seems to be a tactic to give the impression of working late, while they are actually engaged in personal activities. Their emphasis is on appearing busy rather than being genuinely effective, as they enjoy sharing their chaotic schedules on social media but struggle to deliver meaningful results.

Constantly lamenting about workload

Individuals who frequently boast about their busyness often claim they can’t attend social gatherings because they are ‘overwhelmed’ with work. They send late-night emails and feel compelled to voice their grievances about their workload, ensuring everyone is aware of their struggles. This attitude tends to be accompanied by a pervasive negativity towards their daily tasks, which can demoralize those around them. Despite their incessant complaints about being overloaded, their actual output is often lower than that of their peers. They may feign commitment by turning down lunch invites or other social activities, yet they largely rely on others to help them complete their tasks.

Creating work to show effort

Colleagues sometimes generate superfluous tasks merely to give the impression of being occupied. They tend to complicate straightforward projects and involve others in their unproductive activities, seeking ongoing approval from the team. This behavior hampers the team’s overall efficiency, as it redirects focus and resources toward trivial projects instead of prioritizing what truly matters. By involving others in their ‘busywork,’ they squander valuable time and energy that could be better utilized for meaningful contributions.

Excessive multitasking can be misleading

Excessive multitasking can be misleading. Individuals who frequently claim to be multitasking may not be as effective as they believe. This tendency often masks a deficiency in concentration, creating an illusion of busyness while they actually grapple with their workload. Rather than executing tasks effectively, they may find themselves performing multiple activities ineffectively. On the other hand, coworkers who prioritize their responsibilities and concentrate on a single task at a time typically produce superior outcomes.

Consistently providing ‘assistance’ to others (ineffectively)

They frequently volunteer to support colleagues with their tasks, but their form of “help” tends to complicate matters for those they are trying to assist. They may ask a barrage of questions, need extensive direction, or execute the task incorrectly, which ultimately prolongs and complicates the process. This behavior can serve as a means to seem both helpful and occupied, without genuinely alleviating anyone else’s responsibilities.