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Monday, November 9, 2009

6 ways to slack off at work — and get away with it

diego cervo/iStock

diego cervo/iStock

No matter how hard you concentrate, there will always be days when you can’t get down to work. The good news: You’re not alone. The average employee is productive just four hours a day, according to a recent study of 1000 British workers conducted by Cadillac. (The car company maintains that an executive’s most productive hours are, naturally, while driving to and from work.) The study found relentless phone and e-mail interruptions to blame for office ennui. But just because most workers slack off, doesn’t mean it’s employer-sanctioned behavior. If you spend more time Googling ex-boyfriends than filling out TPS reports, we’ve compiled our favorite ways to spice up a boring day on the job without getting busted.

1. Take Some Alone Time
Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery. Print out your work, and take it into the conference room to read over. But bring along some magazines, even a newspaper. No one will suspect a move as brazen as slacking off in a public work space. Observers will likely assume you’re doing research. (Have a quick answer ready in case you are asked what you’re up to. Here’s a good one: “I’ve got an idea for a long-term project. I was just researching its feasibility.”)

2. Stay Messy
A messy desk screams “busy bee” to anyone in your workspace. Keep piles of paper, old newspapers, and errant office supplies lying around to maintain the idea that you’re important and always busy. People will see the mess and feel bad about giving you any extra work to do.

3. Prepare Your Props
If you're the kind of person who finds it impossible to arrive on time, try the coffee-and-muffin trick. Before you leave at night, keep your computer on and put a cup of coffee and a half-eaten muffin at your desk. You'll beat even the earliest bird in.

Click here for 3 More Ways To Slack Off at Work — and Get Away with It


By Stephanie Wu

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 21
  • Beth's Avatar
    Posted by Beth Tue Aug 5, 2008 3:27pm PDT

    I practice #2 religiously, and it really does work lol. Sure I'll get to that work eventually, might as well leave it sprawled on my desk to look pretty.

    Report Abuse
  • ~~~~TISHA WEESHA~~~~'s Avatar
    Posted by ~~~~TISHA WEESHA~~~~ Tue Aug 5, 2008 11:15pm PDT

    #3 isnt useful if u have to punch a time clock.

    Report Abuse
  • Zeph's Avatar
    Posted by Zeph Wed Aug 6, 2008 1:49am PDT

    Unfortunately I wish I could use those tips. I work at a hotel. They look down upon a messy work area and everything has a due date by the end of your shift. GRRR!

    Report Abuse
  • Libby T's Avatar
    Posted by Libby T Wed Aug 6, 2008 12:50pm PDT

    LMAO at the muffin trick. I might try that one soon..

    Report Abuse
  • Libby T's Avatar
    Posted by Libby T Wed Aug 6, 2008 12:50pm PDT

    LMAO at the muffin trick. I might try that one soon..

    Report Abuse
  • Mele's Avatar
    Posted by Mele Wed Aug 6, 2008 10:55pm PDT

    If you are looking for ways to duck out of work...take a look at that issue when you find that you don't get raises, don't get bonuses, get fired and feel unhappy about your career. Here is cause/effect. Productive people are happier and feel good about themselves. They make more money. Perhaps you are in the wrong job if you have no passion for good work. Find a job you love and be a winner!

    Report Abuse
  • Just Roger's Avatar
    Posted by Just Roger Thu Aug 7, 2008 12:54am PDT

    I can't believe this stuff - it's promoting dishonesty - your company pays you to work and slacking off is theft of company time. Apart from the moral issue the maths makes sense, you don't work, you don't produce, your company loses income and can't pay you - you lose job. And no, I'm not a boss or a company man as I work for myself (basically) and can't really steal from myself.

    Report Abuse
  • 's Avatar
    Posted by Thu Aug 7, 2008 8:37am PDT

    Oh come on! Who really does only work stuff at work? As long as my work is getting done, does it really matter what else I do?

    Report Abuse
  • Mmgirl's Avatar
    Posted by Mmgirl Thu Aug 7, 2008 1:31pm PDT

    Hahaha...I slack off when I am caught up on my work. However if you leave your desk a mess it screams messy, unorganized, unproductive, and a complete mess of a person. I would never want someone with a messy desk to work on a project with me. It screams babysit me because I can't even keep my desk clean so how am I supposed to meet deadlines with all this work. Clean your cubes people!

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  • Beth's Avatar
    Posted by Beth Fri Aug 8, 2008 8:19am PDT

    Actually mele.nani and Just Roger, I am 100% more productive if I "slack" off and 10000% times more productive than the supposed employees who are constantly working. I can do a project faster than anyone here, messy desk and all. If they knew the extent of my productivity then I would end up doing everyone else's work without and extra benefit or raises for my efforts. It all depends on the company because if you actually worked in the office scene for awhile then you would know the politics and that the people who actually work hard are not the ones that get the promotions.

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