Productivity illusion: “Ghostworking” is now standard operating procedure in many offices
Fast Company reports: 58% of U.S. employees say they regularly pretend to work
15% have faked phone calls
12% schedule fake meetings
22% use keyboards like musical props
Why? Fear of layoffs
Unclear expectations post-AI
Pressure to “look busy” > deliver impact
Ghostworking isn’t about disengagement — it’s about performing productivity in workplaces where clarity, trust, and job security are eroding.
Surveillance won’t fix it. In fact, it makes it worse.
The solution? Leadership that focuses on outcomes, not optics.
Trust, flexibility, and alignment create real engagement — not performative behavior.
#Ghostworking #FutureOfWork #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #QuietQuitting #EmployeeEngagement
