Workers admit to stretching tasks, keeping work apps open for appearances, and even lying about their productivity
SEATTLE, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- ResumeTemplates.com, the leading platform for free professional resume templates and examples, a March 2025 survey examining how employees would respond if required to submit a detailed report of their weekly work activities. The survey of 1,200 full-time U.S. workers found that one in eight believe they would face consequences if they were completely honest about their productivity, and many would lie to avoid potential repercussions.
Among workers surveyed, 17% admit they work fewer than 30 hours per week despite being employed full-time, with Gen Z workers the most likely to underwork. Nearly one-third (32%) of Gen Zers say they work 30 hours or less, and 10% acknowledge working 20 hours or fewer. Millennials (20%) are also more likely to report a reduced workload compared to just 13% of workers aged 45 and older.
Many employees who aren't putting in full-time hours actively try to appear busy. The most common tactics include stretching tasks throughout the day rather than completing them quickly (71%) and keeping work apps open while handling personal tasks (47%). Additionally, 26% delay task submissions until the deadline, 21% send emails or Slack messages outside work hours to create the illusion of productivity, and 17% attend unnecessary meetings to seem engaged.
Concerns over transparency are particularly pronounced among younger employees. Among Gen Zers, 19% say they would worry about facing consequences if they had to submit a completely honest, detailed report of their weekly activities. Within the group of Gen Z employees working 30 hours or less per week, this figure rises to 29%. Furthermore, 13% of Gen Zers admit they would lie on such a report.
"Workload depends on the role, industry, and level, but early-career workers often complete tasks quickly, leaving downtime," says ResumeTemplates' Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre. "Gen Zers in particular tend to do what's required of them but aren't willing to overextend themselves unless it's going to lead to a promotion."
This survey, conducted in February 2025 via Pollfish, included 1,200 U.S. full-time workers. Participants were selected based on demographic criteria and screening questions. To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.resumetemplates.com/1-in-8-workers-say-honestly-answering-what-did-you-do-last-week-could-get-them-fired/
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SOURCE ResumeTemplates.com
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