So, how are you all enjoying being back in the office? Not much, if the recent uproar at WPP is anything to go by. Still, there is help at hand if you want to protect your mental health, conserve energy or simply skive off a bit.
And, guess what, our old friend at online testing platform Practice Aptitude Tests Guy Thornton is back once more to bring you up to speed.
First up we bring you “career catfishing”, which is apparently becoming increasingly common in the workplace, with 73% of Brits recognising it as both a term and a practice.
It refers to accepting a job offer but either not showing up on the first day or attending only for a single day – without any explanation. It can also stem from an eagerness to secure a job, leading individuals to accept the first offer they receive, only to later regret their decision.
Now, young Guy reckons this may also be a way of reclaiming control and power, but he warns these actions do come with consequences, although it doesn’t take a genius – or a practice aptitude test expert – to work out that those who go down this path risk burning bridges with employers, especially if they want to advance in their careers.
Another rising trend is so-called “workplace cheating”, which is apparently practised by 95% of workers.
Now, just in case you think I mean bunking off to the kitchen for a quick knee-trembler, in this instance workplace cheating is defined as clocking out early; napping during work hours; using corporate software for personal matters; or using AI to complete tasks. In other words, Guy, completely standard workplace practices…
But if neither of the above is for you, how about a spot of “quiet vacationing”? This term refers to taking time off without informing a manager while maintaining the appearance of working. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is particularly popular among remote workers, as it is challenging to physically verify their working locations.
Finally, Guy reckons there has been a rise in “coffee badging”, which involves starting the workday at the office for a few hours before heading home to complete tasks remotely.
This trend has gained traction, with almost two in five (39%) of employees admitting to practising it. Interestingly, over half (54%) of employees caught coffee badging reported that their employers were unbothered, suggesting that the practice is likely to persist despite return to office mandates.
Then again, if none of these fit the bill, you can always go down the traditional route and just pull a good old fashioned sickie. Not that Guy recommends it, of course, but apparently food poisoning and diarrhoea are the most easily accepted excuses.
Now, naturally, I have never done such a thing as I love my job and my bosses and would do anything for anyone. Oooo wait a minute, I think that burger I had last night is beginning to come back…
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