How do you look busy when you're not???

**BrilloPad** · 19 July 2013, 07:59

cut and paste web pages into notepad. or print them out.

**Spacecadet** · 19 July 2013, 08:00

Originally posted by badger7579 View Post

Ideas?

when writing a long forum post, first write it in an outlook email, then copy and paste it into the webpage

If you are in a technical position then read up on something technical which interests you

Get a decent game on your phone, find an out of the way set of toilets and amuse your self (just make sure that the toilet lights don't automatically turn off after a set period of time)

Have very late lunches. The afternoon is always the worst when you're not being kept busy so go out for lunch late (about 2ish) and take the full break out of the office. By the time you get back there will be only a couple of hours left.

**BrilloPad** · 19 July 2013, 08:03

Originally posted by Spacecadet View Post

find an out of the way set of toilets and amuse your self

**No2politics** · 19 July 2013, 08:04

Having a good walk is imperative to looking busy. When I look at some of the permie sloaths, walking aimlessly around the office at a snails pace I think those guys can't be busy. But when I stride over to the drinks machine, grab my two cups of water and march back to my desk it definitely gives the impression- that guy is on it!
Please note running in the office is a big no no in my opinion. Gives of the impression of being out of control, panicking, and generally being out of ones depth.

**MyUserName** · 19 July 2013, 08:11

Carry something important looking around with you and walk like you have purpose.

**Jeebo72** · 19 July 2013, 08:15

Originally posted by badger7579 View Post

Ideas?

Today I'm using the working from home technique...

**Bunk** · 19 July 2013, 08:22

Originally posted by No2politics View Post

Having a good walk is imperative to looking busy. When I look at some of the permie sloaths, walking aimlessly around the office at a snails pace I think those guys can't be busy. But when I stride over to the drinks machine, grab my two cups of water and march back to my desk it definitely gives the impression- that guy is on it!
Please note running in the office is a big no no in my opinion. Gives of the impression of being out of control, panicking, and generally being out of ones depth.

I read an expanded version of this ages ago. There were loads of good tips, always carry some papers or a notepad when you're walking around, makes it look like you're on the way to, or from, a meeting. Don't carry a newspaper, it makes it look like you're on the way to the toilet. I'll try and dig out the email.

Edit: found it. It's actually the Ricky Gervais (I think they mean David Brent, but never mind) guide to working.

Linky

**rhubarb** · 19 July 2013, 08:24

Originally posted by Spacecadet View Post

(just make sure that the toilet lights don't automatically turn off after a set period of time)

Happened to me yesterday, VERY irritating mid-dump.

**MyUserName** · 19 July 2013, 08:41

Originally posted by rhubarb View Post

Happened to me yesterday, VERY irritating mid-dump.

Did it scare the tulip out of you?

How do you look busy when you're not???