How to Appear Productive When You're Not Really Doing Anything

The tricks you need to keep your boss and coworkers off your back

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 20, 2023 Approved

On some work days, it's tempting to just lounge around and do nothing. Often, the key to success is pretending like you're doing something else. If you're ready to learn all the tips and hacks to fooling your colleagues, read on.

1

Take some notes.

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Jotting down things on a notepad or sticky note can make you look busy in almost any situation. It helps to keep your writing just a bit hard to read, so people don't know what you're actually writing without looking closely at it.
- Of course, what you're writing doesn't need to be on task. Write a grocery list or the next great novel.

2

Stare at the board or screen.

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Even if your mind isn't on what's going on in a class or meeting, keep your eyes focused on the board or screen. That way, it at least seems like you're paying attention, even if your mind is thousands of miles away.^{[1]
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3

Try doodling.

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Doodling can make you look like you're taking notes. In fact, some people believe doodling helps you listen better.^{[2]
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Research source} Try to keep your doodling small and off to the side so people don't actually catch you at it.
- Keep an eye out. If someone is coming by, turn to a page with text instead.

4

Play around on your computer.

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One key to looking busy is just to keep moving. That can mean messing around on your computer, for instance. You can just be playing around, as long as you can hide the screen from others' view.^{[3]
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- If you do play on your computer, though, make sure that your company doesn't take screenshots, which could get you fired if you're not working when you should be. Similarly, if you're at school, you can get in trouble for not being on task.
- Also, make sure no one can walk up behind you and see what you're doing. It helps to have a work document open that you can easily flip to.

5

Pretend to move around the office or room.

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You can also move around the room or even an office. Try going over to the copier, for instance, and pretending to punch buttons. You can also pretend to look for something, such as trying to find your shoes in your house.^{[4]
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- You can also do things like shuffle shirts around in a store.

6

Start cleaning.

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If you're just looking for something to do, cleaning your space can make it look like you're actually doing something. Even if you're just rummaging around, and you are at least doing something sort of productive.^{[5]
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7

Pretend ignorance while doing something else.

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For instance, if someone asks you if you saw something that needed doing, you can act like you didn't notice. However, you must be engaged in something else, such as watching television, taking "notes," or reading a book; that way, it's easy to pretend you didn't notice the task that needed doing.^{[6]
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8

Take up a task you actually enjoy.

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If you are trying to get out of something you don't like doing, such as washing dishes, do something else beneficial that you do like. For example, volunteer to cook dinner so that someone else has to clean up.

9

Try a faux-work site.

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{endbold{Some gaming sites have games that make it actually look like you're working. You can pass the time by playing games, and if anyone glances at your computer, they'll just assume it's work-related.
- For instance, these sites will have games that look like a spreadsheet. That way, you can goof off, and if anyone looks at the screen, it just looks like you're working on a spreadsheet.

10

Hop on the phone.

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You don't actually have to be talking to anyone. However, if you hold your phone up to your ear and pretend to be talking or listening to someone, people will assume you're busy.^{[7]
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11

Have an answer ready.

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When someone asks what you're doing, you should have a quick reply. If someone asks you what you have on your plate, don't answer with "Not a lot." To seem busy, you have to be on the ball. Answer with a concrete but vague answer, such as "I'm working on a report."

12

Try the book-in-a-book trick.

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If you're supposed to be reading a textbook or a training manual, you should definitely have that book out. However, you can try slipping something more interesting inside, such as another book or even a phone. Just be sure to keep an eye out for people who may notice what you're doing.

13

Stay out of eyesight in groups.

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One key to looking busy is to make sure you're seen as little as possible. That means sitting in the back of a meeting room or classroom, for instance, at an angle from the front. If your boss or teacher can't see you very often, then they're less likely to call you out for not working.^{[8]
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14

Go to another room or space.

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If you really want to curl up somewhere and read a book, don't do it in front of the person who wants you to be productive. Stick to an out-of-the-way corner where they are less likely to come across you.

15

Hide behind "work".

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If someone is trying to get you to do something, the perfect cover up is having other work to do. Have your work out like you're actually doing it, but you can be doodling or catching up on Facebook instead.^{[9]
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Question

How do I make myself look busy at school while on a computer?

Community Answer

You could type into a Word document so it looks like you're working on an essay, or just get really good at flipping back and forth between working screens and playing screens.

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I am not a very popular kid at school, but I have been invited to a popular party. How should I act if I go?

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Like yourself. They wouldn't have invited you if they didn't like you the way you are.

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How do I make myself look busy on my phone?

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Hold the phone up so others can't see what you're doing, and then tap away. People will assume you're writing an important email or text.

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