It’s not about laziness. Most people caught up in this are working hard. The problem is what they are working hard at. Instead of using energy to move things forward, they spend it proving they’re busy.
Workplaces still reward appearances. Being visible in the office. Responding instantly to messages. Clocking long hours.
When those signals get more recognition than actual outcomes, people adapt. They learn that looking busy is safer than focusing on the deeper work that creates value.
On the surface, productivity theatre looks like commitment. Underneath, it drains performance and morale.
Leaders often don’t spot the damage until it’s already embedded. By then, people are tired, frustrated, and disengaged.
The fix isn’t asking people to work harder. It’s changing what you notice, reward and model.
Productivity theatre is a cultural problem, not a personal one. People don’t choose it because they want to waste time. They choose it because the system tells them it’s the safest option.
Leaders who want genuine productivity need to change the signals they send. Reward real progress. Encourage honest conversations about workload. Show that wellbeing and effectiveness matter more than being seen to be busy.
At Zeal, we help leaders uncover the signals driving their team culture and shift them towards impact that lasts, take a look at our team training and development programmes and see how we can help teams like yours thrive.