Sometimes, after a hard day's work, you want to relax a bit. However, relaxing at work can make you labeled as lazy. That's why you have to find ways to stay busy when you're not actually working. Especially if you manage to finish all the work early and have less time to laze around a bit. So that you don't get caught by your boss watching Netflix or sitting around daydreaming, learn how to laze at your desk and stay busy when you have to leave your desk for a while.
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Method 1 of 2: Lazing at the Desk
Step 1. Arrange the table so that other people can't see your computer screen
Whether you work in a room or cubicle, don't let someone walk behind you unnoticed. Set the computer to point to the entrance. If you're opening an application window that's not work-related, you can close it right away before someone has a chance to see it.
Usually the cubicle-shaped workspace does not allow you to change the position of the desk. To work around this, try not to face the monitor screen directly at the entrance and position the chair towards the entrance
Step 2. Spread the worksheets across the table
Stick 4 or 5 Post-Its with messages written on them. You can even stick a few blank Post-It sheets in several places around the table to make it easier for you to pick up if you're in a rush. Take out the binder and open it on the page of the project you are working on. Put some documents on the table as if you were working on something.
- Do not bring items from home that are not related to work. You can use an old project document or create a dummy document that looks like the document you're currently working on.
- There is a fine line between a messy desk and the desk of someone busy working on a project. Make sure you pay attention to it so that it doesn't sound too overwhelming.
Step 3. Learn how to quickly move between tabs and application windows
Shortcut keys can help you with this. Use this trick to move from the YouTube tab to the latest subscriber data. Practice using shortcuts so you can do them automatically.
- Press Alt+Tab key on PC to move from one application window to another. For Mac users, press command+tab key to move between open applications.
- Press Crtl+Tab key on PC to switch tabs within the same application window. For Mac users, use control+tab to switch tabs within the same window.
- For example, if you have a Mac laptop, open the iTunes app and open two different tabs for Safari and Garageband. Hold down the command key and press the tab key to switch from iTunes to Safari. Then, hold down the control key and press the tab key to switch from one Safari tab to another.
Step 4. Open another tab to trick and impress yourself at work
For example, if you are an accountant, open several spreadsheets. If you're a graphic designer, open up some sketches you're "working on". It's a good idea to open these tabs in the morning, or set them to open automatically when you launch your web browser (browser).
- Never close all tabs so only the desktop is visible. A blank screen will indicate that you did nothing.
- There's nothing wrong with keeping your email, word processor, Google docs, business website, new website open (or any other app related to your type of work).
Step 5. Pretend to be busy writing or typing
A great way to look busy is always doing something. If you just sit there, people will clearly see that you are not working. Whenever you feel bored or uninspired at work, grab a notebook and start writing something or typing on the computer.
- You can write or type anything, it doesn't matter. If you take it seriously, you will look busy.
- To support your action, prepare some work-related documents. If someone asks, you can show the document as proof that you work.
Step 6. Sit up straight and watch your work
If you don't want to be caught out of work, you have to pay attention to body language. If you sag in a chair with your eyes on the ceiling, you will look lazy. Good posture and a fixed gaze on something that looks like work will go a long way in your look.
- If your job requires you to stand up, don't get caught sitting or leaning on something.
- If you're sleepy and can't concentrate, make sure your work documents are in front of you and your eyes are on them.
Step 7. Use your cell phone to dial the phone at your desk
Busy talking on the phone, if it's part of the job, can be a great way to look busy. If you don't get many calls, dial the work phone number from your cell phone and answer. You can spend 10-15 minutes without work pretending to be on the phone several times a day, depending on how good your acting is.
- You may have to plan what to talk about on the phone. If you're just babbling or talking about something unrelated to work, people will know you're just faking it.
- If you want to take it seriously, write a script for a conversation you normally have at work. Write dialogue between two people, but make sure you only say something that makes sense.
Method 2 of 2: Lazing While Leaving The Table
Step 1. Disable sleep mode for the computer screen
Many computers go into sleep mode after a period of inactivity to conserve energy. If you leave the table long enough and the screen saver appears, other people will know you've been away long enough. Disable sleep mode so the screen will look the same as when you left it.
- Make sure to open a few application windows to make it look like you're working on something before you leave your desk. Never leave your computer with a shopping website or game on the screen when you get up from your desk.
- If you work in the computer section, leave the computer with something that says “Loading” or “Installing”. That can be a powerful excuse to leave the table.
Step 2. Leave your desk feeling like you're working on something
Fill your desk with several projects that are your responsibility. Keep open binders, marked reports, tools, or unfinished promotional merchandise boxes. If you look like you're working on something, people will assume you'll be right back.
- Don't do the trick in the same pattern every day because people will start to get suspicious.
- If you're sorting things, leave one pile unfinished.
Step 3. Bring the supporting properties
If you leave the table empty-handed, people will assume you didn't do anything. Bring a binder, a notebook, or a pile of paper to make it look like you're going out to meet someone. Or, you can bring equipment, a box of promotional items, or specific tools, depending on the type of work you do.
- What items should be brought depends on the type of work you do. Don't carry the same stuff every day or people will suspect that it's not work related.
- Choose something that is easy to carry and can be placed and lifted without the hassle.
- Small items will make you look busy, but not very attention-grabbing.
Step 4. Visit colleagues in other departments
Think of something work-related, such as a recent policy change or a major project the company is working on, and go to discuss it with someone. But remember, when you're talking to someone, bring up something work-related first and then move on to another conversation to spend more time. If you're talking about the topic of your essay, make sure it looks convincing enough that the other person doesn't suspect anything.
- Try to share what you do with the colleague sitting next to you to build an alibi.
- Just say, “I want to double-check and make sure our department has the same understanding of the new ad campaign. This is an important matter and I don't want any misunderstandings."
Step 5. Ask lots of questions
Asking a lot of questions about projects, assignments, company policies, job responsibilities, promotion opportunities, or just about anything work-related can be a powerful way to appear very busy, when in fact you're just passing the time without working. This strategy is very suitable to be applied during the transition period because asking a lot of questions will be considered natural.
- But remember, pay attention to the questions you ask. Do not let you be considered incompetent to do your job.
- For example, ask your boss if he or she has a copy of the design your most recent client requested. When your boss shows it to you, find something to talk about.
