Fake Work: Why we are constantly busy but achieve nothing

From the outside, we seem to be constantly busy: our appointment calendar is full to the brim, notifications keep popping up, and between meetings or emails we rush from one task to the next. At the end of the day, however, there is often an uncomfortable feeling that you haven't really accomplished anything. This phenomenon has a name: fake work. It's a type of pseudo-productivity that makes us believe we're working hard even though we're going around in circles.

In many areas of work, it is taken for granted that there is always something to do. But not every activity really leads us to our goal. Typical examples of fake work include endless meetings that take place without a clear agenda and without results, the incessant processing of emails or the creation of reports that no one reads. Such tasks may make us feel productive, but in reality they drain our time and energy without adding any real value. We remain in a cycle that only gives us the illusion that we are making progress.

Fake work is often tempting because it gives us the feeling that we always have something to do and are important. Smaller, quick tasks like answering emails or making lists give us a short-term sense of achievement. But these activities distract from the truly important tasks, which often require more time and focus. In addition, the culture of constant availability and activity is deeply anchored in many companies. Who is ?busy? works, is considered hardworking? even if the actual output is low. This means that many people end up in a whirlpool of false productivity that doesn't help them or the company in the long term.

The first step to escaping fake work is setting priorities. Not every task is equally important, and it is crucial to focus on the activities that actually make a difference. Questions like ?Which task will bring me closer to my long-term goals?? should become your daily compass. It is advisable to regularly question routines and get rid of outdated processes. For example, meetings should only take place if they have a clear purpose.

A well-thought-out weekly plan that highlights the most important priorities can be an effective tool for keeping track and focusing on the most important tasks. This creates space for work that brings real progress.

It is also important to get rid of the myth of multitasking. Instead of doing lots of things half-heartedly, we should focus on completing one task at a time. This not only improves the quality of work, but also reduces stress. Blocks of time for concentrated work can help you maintain focus. Emails and other means of communication should also be consciously processed within set time windows instead of letting notifications distract you all day long. The key to being productive at work is making conscious decisions and focusing on what really matters.