A new trend, “Task Masking,” is taking over TikTok, with employees pretending to be busy to create the impression of hard work. Following the return-to-office (RTO) orders from companies like Amazon and AT&T, workers are going to extremes to appear engaged, including typing rapidly, walking briskly with laptops, and even mimicking frustration.
This movement is rooted in a growing dissatisfaction with rigid office structures, especially among younger employees. Many workers are resisting the expectation that presence equals productivity, instead seeking more flexible, balanced work environments. The rise of “Task Masking” highlights the clash between corporate expectations and the values of the newer generation entering the workforce.Several “Task Masking” tactics, such as carrying laptops everywhere or pretending to make business calls, are seen as ways to avoid standing out negatively.
Experts point out that this behavior is more about feeling disconnected from real tasks than outright laziness. Career coach Amanda Augustine believes that while it may seem like workers are pretending to be busy, they might actually be struggling with burnout or not having enough work to fill their day.
In the end, this trend serves as a form of protest against outdated office norms, as employees, particularly Gen Z, push back against the pressures of traditional office life.