According to a new workplace survey, many workers spend upwards of ten hours a week engaging in "productivity theater," which is defined as performative work that gives the illusions of being productive rather than actually adding value to the company. Some claim that this workplace trend is the result of recent mass layoffs, which have caused workers to appear busier at work to avoid being fired amongst increased surveillance by managers. Furthermore, the move back to the office post-pandemic has also contributed to an increase in employee surveillance and pressure for workers to appear productive in comparison to their coworkers.
See "In order to avoid layoffs and as many remote workers return to work in-person, there is an increase in 'productivity theater' in the office", Chloe Berger, Fortune, May 3, 2023