Taskmasking: Gen Z's sneaky tactic to beat the office grind
Gen Z workers are fighting back against the return to the office with a unique tactic called taskmasking.
Gen Z workers are fighting back against being in the office with a new trend called taskmasking.
This phenomenon involves making yourself look busy while actually doing minimal work. From typing loudly on your laptop to pretending to be in meetings, taskmasking is all about creating the illusion of productivity.
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However, taskmasking isn't just about being lazy, it's also a way for workers to take control back in a system that often values presenteeism over actual work.
With the rise of remote work, many Gen Z workers have grown accustomed to working independently and flexibly. Taskmasking is a way to push back against the monotony of office life.
According to Gabrielle Judge, a 28-year-old content creator and writer, taskmasking is a common phenomenon among her peers.
"People would look really busy when they were actually just getting lunch, or would wear their AirPods all day so it looked like they were in meetings," she said.
The Guardian reported that taskmasking can take many forms, from fake typing to loud coffee breaks.
Taskmasking is not completely about deceiving your employer. According to some Gen Z workers, it's about creating a sense of community and camaraderie among coworkers.
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