Do you often feel busy all day at work? While it’s important to appear diligent in the workplace, it’s worth considering if pretending to be excessively busy is actually beneficial.
1. Do Colleagues Who Pretend to Be Busy Really Seem Competent?
You might have encountered such colleagues. “I’ve handled more than half of this project.”, “I’m so overwhelmed with A that adding B is just too much.” People who often say such things may seem familiar. However, research suggests that this behavior can actually backfire.
‘According to a study published in the journal Personnel Psychology, employees who pretend to be busy are more likely to be perceived as less competent. The research team asked 360 participants to analyze statements from virtual colleagues. Those who pretended to be busy were found to lose favor with their peers and were less likely to receive help.
2. The Negative Effects of Stress Boasting
In the movie <The Intern>, the diligent intern contrasts sharply with the employee who pretends to be busy. Researcher Jessica Rodell explains, “While people may elaborate to appear more competent to their colleagues, they are actually harming themselves.” Pretending to be busy is akin to boasting about stress.
3. The Contagious Nature of Work Stress
Unfortunately, work stress is highly contagious. When a colleague nearby complains about being overwhelmed, listeners can also feel stressed without realizing it. Therefore, instead of venting to colleagues, it’s essential to find personal and healthy ways to relieve stress.
4. Effective Stress Relief Methods
There are various ways to relieve stress. Exercise, meditation, and hobbies are some methods you can try. Particularly, short walks or deep breathing can provide immediate stress relief.
Conclusion
Pretending to be busy might make you appear more competent in the short term, but it can have the opposite effect in the long run. If you value good relationships with your colleagues, it’s better to handle tasks efficiently and find healthy ways to manage stress instead of pretending to be busy.
If you have a tendency to pretend to be busy at work, consider reflecting on it through this article. What truly matters is the quality of your work and maintaining good relationships with your colleagues.
References: Personnel Psychology, “The impact of ‘stress boasting’ on coworker relationships”