“Fauxductivity”: What Employees in Canada Need to Know

What’s Fauxductivity?

“Fauxductivity” — also known as “ghostworking” — is the act of pretending to perform your job duties or making your employer think you’re busier than you actually are.

Examples of this include:

• Typing constantly on your keyboard to make it seem like you’re working hard on a project
• Stretching out tasks to create the illusion that they required more of your time to complete
• Scheduling emails to go out well past your shift to make it seem like you’re working late

According to a recent report from Resume Now, 58% of employees surveyed admitted to engaging in fauxductivity regularly, while 34% claim they do it occasionally.

Can My Employer Punish Me for Pretending to Work?

Since your employer is paying you to perform your job duties during your working hours, they might have grounds to punish you for engaging in fauxductivity.

However, for the first offence, it’s very unlikely that the company would be able to discipline you by making substantial changes to the terms of your employment.

📺 WATCH: Everything You Need to Know About Changes to Your Job

If unwanted changes are made to your job for any reason, contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We can determine if you have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim.

LEARN MORE
• Changes to Your Job in Ontario: Employee Rights
• Employment Changes in Alberta: Your Rights
• Employee Guide to Job Changes in British Columbia
• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Real-Time Insights Regarding Your Rights

Can My Employer Fire Me for Pretending to Work?

In Canada, employers can fire non-unionized workers for engaging in fauxductivity.

This is known as a termination without cause. You can be let go for any reason, as long as:

• You’re provided full severance pay
• The reasons for your dismissal aren’t discriminatory

Workplace Issue? Contact Us

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or BC, our lawyers can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.