Talent Management

Employee fears finishing tasks early could lead to more work or risk job security

November 21, 2025
www.ETHRWorld.com
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  • Published On Nov 22, 2025 at 12:16 AM IST

< />In today’s office culture, employees are often judged not just by their results but by how busy they appear. For many, completing tasks efficiently should be satisfying, yet it can instead create an unexpected problem: having too much free time under constant supervision. One Reddit user recently shared that they complete all assigned work within 15 to 20 hours of a standard 40-45 hour workweek, leaving the remainder of their day spent “pretending to work.” Surrounded by colleagues, they could not freely read, browse, or exercise without attracting attention, turning downtime into a source of stress rather than relief.<br><br><!– PROMOSLOT_M –><div class=” article-detail-ad-slot=”” captionrendered=”1″ data-src=”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/photo/125493372.cms” height=”442″ loading=”eager” src=”https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/images/default.jpg” width=”590″></img></p> </div> <p>The user highlighted a common dilemma: admitting they finish early could invite more work or even threaten their job security. This paradox shows that high efficiency in the workplace can sometimes become a disadvantage, leaving employees stuck in a limbo where they are neither productive nor able to relax.</p> <h2>Coping Mechanisms in a Restrictive Office Environment<br /></br></h2> <p>In the comments section, other employees shared strategies to handle this hidden burden. One described rotating between multiple personal activities, like reading blogs or ebooks in languages not understood by colleagues, as a way to remain engaged while maintaining appearances. Suggestions ranged from learning foreign languages to exploring niche hobbies discreetly, demonstrating how staff adapt creatively to office constraints.</p> <p>Several comments also highlighted the use of technology to navigate idle hours. E-reader apps disguised as spreadsheets or browser extensions that mimic email interfaces allow employees to read or research personally without appearing idle. These measures reflect the lengths to which employees go to manage downtime unnoticed.</p> <h2>Reflections on <a href=Modern Work Culture

This phenomenon links to broader discussions about office productivity. Some users referenced David Graeber’s concept of “bullshit jobs,” noting that employees often feel compelled to appear busy even when there is no real work. Remote work emerged as a preferred alternative for many, providing freedom to manage time without constant supervision. Historical anecdotes also show that even before computers, office staff found ways to remain “busy” while handling idle periods, highlighting the persistence of this challenge.

  • Published On Nov 22, 2025 at 12:16 AM IST

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