How to Look Busy at Work

The hard worker in corporate America could always use a breather in the workplace, don't you think? Not that you're lazy by any means. But one can only be a yes-person for so long. There is a way to make sure your workload is not overlooked by your manager and peers. Read on to learn how to have your work acknowledged and applauded.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Email
• Actual paperwork
• Pen

1. Keep your colleagues and managers in the loop. Even when things are slowing down a bit at work, make sure you take a moment to brief your manager on the latest news involving a project you're working on. This could buy you some time from getting thrown onto any new projects without your current workload being considered first.
2. Use your email wisely. When you receive emails from colleagues on certain projects, do yourself a favor and cc: your manager or other people who will benefit from the communication.
3. Keep chatter to a minimum. When approached by a co-worker for a bit of mindless chatter, engage for a couple minutes before switching gears back to your work. During the chatter, keep yourself only slightly turned toward the person and mostly toward your computer. If they seemed to not get the hint, say something like, "I have to make this quick phone call" or "I need to get this email out real quick."
4. When getting up from your desk to walk to the copy machine, someone's desk or even the bathroom, keep your pen and some paperwork in hand. This will atleast create the illusion of being busy even if you are not.

Tips & Warnings

• Whenever chatting with someone weave part of your workload into the conversation.

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