Performative Work

1 article

Exhausted employees in a sterile office performing tasks, illustrating workplace productivity theater and its negative impact on innovation and well-being.

Workplace productivity theater is stifling innovation and burning out employees in 2026.

A staggering 83% of employees admit to engaging in performative work behaviors, with 43% spending more than 10 hours each week on tasks designed to look busy rather than deliver real value, according

Marcus Ellery·August 23, 2026