Let’s be honest: no one can be productive all the time. Some days, you’re motivated and ready to take on the world. Other days, you find yourself googling the lifespan of a tortoise or staring blankly at your screen, hoping the day will somehow fast-forward. Luckily, there’s an art to looking busy, and once mastered, it’s as useful as actually getting things done—especially when your boss or that nosy colleague is lingering nearby. Here’s how to look like you’re in the zone, even if your mind is miles away.
Perfect the Art of the ‘Serious Frown’
Nothing says “I’m on a mission” like a furrowed brow. Just squint slightly, as if you’re deep in thought, and occasionally mutter phrases like “Hmm, interesting…” or “That’s not right…” under your breath. If anyone asks what’s up, look at them with a slight frown and say, “I’m just working through a bit of a puzzle.” Bonus points if you have a screen full of graphs or complicated-looking documents (even if it’s just a spreadsheet you’ve opened for show).
Type Randomly with Purpose
No one’s going to question your productivity if they hear a steady click-clack of the keyboard. Open a blank document or an old report and type away as if your life depends on it. Type random words, even nonsense, if you must. If someone walks by, just stop, sigh deeply as if you’re in the middle of something major, and then keep “working.” The noise alone will convince people that you’re absolutely nailing whatever project you’re on.
Walk Around with a Notepad and Pen
This one’s a classic. Grab a notepad, scribble a few lines on it, and stroll purposefully around the office. Head to the printer, stare at it thoughtfully for a moment, then move on. Nod at people as if you’re mentally cataloguing something important, and occasionally write down random notes. If anyone catches your eye, just raise your pen and say, “Oh, just sorting a few things out.” Little do they know you’re likely jotting down your plans for the weekend.
Maintain a Ridiculously Organised Desk
When you’re busy, your desk looks like it’s been hit by a productivity tornado. But if you’re not really working, just rearrange it with alarming dedication. Stack some files, move your pens around, adjust your monitor, and give everything a thorough wipe. A tidy desk says, “I’m on top of things,” but repeatedly tidying it just looks like “work” without actually being work. People will be too impressed by your “organisation” to question anything.
Have Multiple Tabs Open at All Times
Here’s where you can really get creative. Open several tabs on your browser—one for work (obviously), and the others for whatever random articles and shopping sites you actually want to browse. Make sure the work tab is in the middle so that if anyone does walk past, you can quickly click on it and look as if you’re busy reading industry reports. Pro tip: keep one tab open with something completely irrelevant to work, like “cats wearing bowties,” just for a laugh. Close it quickly if anyone asks what you’re up to.
The Legendary ‘Pretend Call’
Every office has its fair share of talkers, and you can easily join their ranks with a fake call. Pick up your phone, press a few buttons, and then start nodding and mumbling things like, “Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking…” or “Let’s circle back on that.” It doesn’t have to make sense—just make it sound official. If you want to go the extra mile, stand up and pace around a bit, looking as if you’re making decisions that could shape the future of the company.
Create a To-Do List (That You’ll Never Do)
A to-do list is a fantastic way to look like you’re planning out a serious workload. Grab a piece of paper and start writing items like “Budget review,” “Update spreadsheet,” and “Email follow-ups.” Once you’ve written a hefty list, prop it up on your desk for everyone to see. You’ll look so organised that people will be too impressed to notice that half the items are things you’ve been avoiding since last month. The beauty is, nobody’s going to check if you’ve actually done any of it.
Stare Intensely at the Screen with Occasional Mouse Clicks
This technique is especially effective if you can keep a straight face. Open up a document or spreadsheet and stare at it as if it’s revealing the secrets of the universe. Occasionally move the mouse around or highlight random cells. If someone comes near, make sure your expression is one of intense concentration. They’ll assume you’re analysing something deep and complicated. Little do they know, you’re just counting the cells on the spreadsheet.
Bring Out the Sticky Notes
Sticky notes are the unsung heroes of looking busy. Cover your desk, computer monitor, or wall space with bright-coloured sticky notes. Write random buzzwords like “Targets,” “Priorities,” or “Q4 Goals” on them. Not only does this make you look swamped, but it also gives off a vibe that you’re in the midst of a massive brainstorming session. Bonus points if you stare at them with your arms crossed and a “hmmm” expression, as if deep in thought.
Carry an Important-Looking Document Everywhere You Go
Pick a document—any document that looks “official” (a stack of pages with charts or a stapled report is perfect)—and carry it around as if you’re on your way to present something crucial. Stop by random places, look at it intensely, and even point at something on the page if you see someone coming. This gives the impression that you’re constantly “on the go” and involved in highly important projects.
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