The corporate mirage: Why over half of Americans are "pretending" to work
American workplaces are grappling with a growing trend of “ghostworking,” where employees fake productivity to cope with pressure, micromanagement, and unclear expectations. With 58 percent admitting to pretending to work and 92 percent job-searching on the clock, the data reveals a systemic crisis. From staged busyness to remote distractions, America’s work culture now rewards performance over genuine output.
American workplaces are grappling with a growing trend of “ghostworking,” where employees fake productivity to cope with pressure, micromanagement, and unclear expectations. With 58 percent admitting to pretending to work and 92 percent job-searching on the clock, the data reveals a systemic crisis. From staged busyness to remote distractions, America’s work culture now rewards performance over genuine output. What's Your Reaction?
