70% of Workers Say Visibility is Rewarded More Than Results
A new survey reveals that 70% of workers believe visibility at work is valued more than actual results. Additionally, over half have used tactics to appear busy.
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Advancing in one's career may depend on more than just doing a good job. According to the latest Visibility at Work survey, 70% of employees feel that employers value visibility and appearance more than actual job performance.
The research indicates that appearing busy is a common practice. Over half of respondents (52%) have employed tactics aimed at projecting an image of productivity. One in five workers (21%) dedicate at least a quarter of their workday to managing outward appearances, suggesting that external perception might be prioritized over substantive work.
These findings highlight a potential disconnect between stated corporate goals and employee experiences. While organizations often emphasize results and efficiency, employees report feeling that gaining attention and making an impression are more critical for career progression.
The study suggests that employees actively manage how they are perceived by superiors and colleagues. This can manifest through emphasizing overtime, timing email dispatches, or demonstrating constant activity on communication platforms.
The survey, released by PR Newswire, gathered data from several hundred workers. The results offer insights into modern workplaces and how employees navigate their career paths in a complex and competitive environment.