Why Employees Pretend to Work — And What Leaders Can Do About It

In the modern workplace, a troubling trend is emerging as employees grapple with increasing burnout and stress: fauxductivity. This phenomenon, often humorously depicted in TikTok videos of people jiggling their mouse or typing nonsense, highlights a growing disconnect between organizational expectations and employee well-being. The hashtag #fakeworking has millions of views for a reason – it’s relatable.

Beyond the likes lies a real issue: employees feeling so burned out or disengaged that pretending to work sometimes feels easier than actually working. Fauxductivity isn’t limited to entry-level or more junior employees; a recent study reveals that nearly 4 in 10 C-suite executives and 37% of all managers confess to engaging in this disingenuous display. As the line between genuine effort and mere appearance blurs, it raises critical questions about the underlying issues of workplace culture and the urgent need for a healthier work-life balance.

Understanding the Causes of Fauxductivity

The first step to understanding fauxductivity is digging into what may be causing it. Employees surveyed revealed the two largest reasons they do this: the need for a better work-life balance and to heal from burnout. Both of these causes, while prevalent in the modern workplace, point to a larger failing of company culture to create a motivating and healthy environment for workers.

Given the difficulties with work-life balance and burnout, it may not be surprising that the most significant challenge for HR professionals – beyond even hiring, training, or compliance – is maintaining a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel engaged and motivated.

Creating Employee Engagement Through Learning

While there’s no single fix for building a thriving workplace culture, one element that’s often underestimated is the offering of meaningful learning and certification opportunities – something that can quietly, but powerfully, boost engagement and connection at work.

A study conducted by the University of Auckland highlights the significant impact of investing in employee development. By investing in employee development and empowering disengaged workers to explore new tools and systems, organizations can streamline workloads and enhance efficiency. This proactive approach not only aids in overcoming feelings of stagnation but also offers a vital pathway for employees who may feel unfulfilled in their current roles to explore new areas and skills. Through self-guided courses, individuals have the opportunity to pivot toward new career paths or find better ways to execute in their current role, reigniting their passion and engagement at work.

SAP Learning site allows people from the entire SAP ecosystem access to a wide range of SAP Certifications. Learning resources across the SAP portfolio can help individuals stay engaged and enthused as they master in-demand skills that can future-proof and expand their careers horizons. Additionally, SAP certifications are tangible proof of expertise that employees can use to showcase their accomplishments, providing a sense of achievement and reaching goals.

Fostering a culture of continuous learning encourages a more motivated and productive workforce. Providing these learning and certification opportunities in the workplace can serve as a powerful antidote to the growing issue of fauxductivity.

Skills Development Boosts Outcomes

Fauxductivity may be a modern workplace meme, but its root causes are nothing new: burnout, boredom, and lack of growth. The smartest leaders know that turning up employee engagement can’t be done overnight. Though sometimes, the most powerful moves start with giving employees the tools to grow. By investing in continuous learning and reinvigorating a culture that champions development, businesses don’t just combat fauxductivity—they unlock real potential. Because when people feel like they’re learning, they’re not just more productive. They’re more present, more motivated, and more likely to stick around for the long haul.