“Taskmasking” is (reportedly) Gen Z’s new way to look busy at work. As more companies push for a return to the office, some Gen Z workers are turning to “taskmasking”—doing things that make them look busy without actually adding much value. Think loud typing, speed-walking with a laptop, or keeping AirPods in to seem like they’re always in meetings. Some young workers even say that taskmasking in itself is a full-time job, citing the social exhaustion that comes with having an in-office position. But with 61% of 18-24-year-olds saying their career is or will be the main focus of their lives—and 83% having already experienced burnout, according to YPulse—taskmasking could be their way of pushing back against being monitored at the office. While some might see it as slacking off, perhaps it’s a response to the pressures of hustle culture and the expectation to always be “on.” However, it’s worth noting that YPulse has found that most Gen Z workers aren’t actually participating in these viral workplace trends, despite how much attention they get online. (The Guardian)
👀 Read more from YPulse: Are Gen Z Workers Really Slumped, Antisocial, Quick Quitters?
