b'FAUXDUCTIVITY THREATENS WORKPLACEThe latest catchphrase in the human resource world is fauxductivity, describing employees faking productivity while on the jobparticularly in remote and hybrid settings. According to research by Workhuman, twothirds of employees deny faking productivity, but a MyPerfectResume study implies that it is not work location, but poor workplace culture and high rates of employee burnout that are to blame. The survey polled more than 1,200 U.S.based workers to discover that a startling 88 percent of employees were experiencing burnout, blaming a toxic workplace and extreme pressure to perform under unreasonable expectations. According to Jasmine Escalera, career expert for MyPerfectResume, trying to appear productive can reduce some of that pressure and prevent additional tasks being assigned. Fauxductivity may provide employees a muchneeded mental break without stepping away from work entirely, she says.Escalera recommends a wellnessfocused culture that promotes:clear boundaries around work hours;discouraging afterhours communication;policies that support work breaks; andflexible schedules or remote work options wherever possible. Creating an environment where employees can openly discuss productivity, workload balance and stress allows them to address issues before reaching burnout, potentially reducing the desire to engage in fauxductivity as a coping mechanism, Escalera says. Employees who see how their contribution at work connects to their own personal development targets could be more inclined to naturally boost their productivity, innovation and creativity, and start to reduceif not eliminatefauxductivity. Source: HR Executive JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 57'