20 Things Employees Secretly Do When They Know Their Boss Isn't Watching
Nobody Wants to Admit To
Even the most dedicated employees have moments when their attention drifts away from work, especially when the boss is out of the office or busy with other things. From checking personal messages to taking a few extra minutes for lunch, people find plenty of ways to make the workday a little more enjoyable when nobody's keeping an eye on them. Most of these habits are harmless, and some are practically universal, even among employees who take their jobs seriously. Here are 20 things workers secretly do when they know their boss isn't watching.
1. Checking Their Phones Every Few Minutes
Everyone seems to have their phone hidden away when the boss is in the room. You'll see them typing and staring at the screen, but as soon as the boss steps out, everyone will be glued to their phones. It starts with a quick text response and ends with you reading through notifications and messages. People have even been known to put their phones behind their monitors to look at them.
2. Taking Longer Lunch Breaks
A 30-minute lunch break can easily become 40 minutes when nobody's checking the clock or asking where everyone went. Employees might stop for an extra coffee, take a longer walk, or sit in their cars for a few peaceful minutes before returning to their desks. As long as their work gets done, some feel there's no harm in taking a little extra time for themselves.
3. Browsing Online Shopping Websites
It's always fun to look up new shoes you want or see how much cheaper a TV is online. When you have downtime at work, you'll usually find yourself opening up an online store when you're frustrated with a work project. You tell yourself that you'll just look at it for a minute. Before you know it, you've found six pairs of those shoes and thrown three things in your cart.
4. Complaining About Work in Private Chats
People tend to keep their mouths shut about things they think about a meeting or a certain project at hand. However, you're bound to hear about these things from friends and family members. These conversations give employees a chance to vent, although sharing confidential company information can turn an innocent complaint into a serious problem.
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5. Watching Videos With Their Headphones On
YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms offer an endless supply of distractions for anyone who has a quiet moment at work. Employees might watch a cooking tutorial, catch up on a favorite creator, or sneak in a short comedy clip while appearing to concentrate on their tasks. Headphones make the habit easier because people can enjoy their videos without disturbing anyone around them.
6. Taking Unofficial Breaks at Their Desks
You don't have to be out of the building to be away from your workstation. There are people who spend quite a bit of time sitting at their desks doing nothing. Staring out the window, sitting still, or reading can all count as time away from their projects.
7. Using Work Time for Personal Errands
Employees with flexible workloads sometimes use a quiet period to handle tasks they'd otherwise have to squeeze into their evenings. They might schedule a dentist appointment, renew a driver's license, compare insurance plans, or research a vacation. For people juggling work and personal responsibilities, getting these things done during the day can be genuinely helpful. Problems arise when personal errands take over the workday or interfere with responsibilities that other people are counting on them to complete.
8. Sneaking Extra Snacks From the Kitchen
It's hard to resist grabbing something else from the office snack drawer when the boss isn't around. Everyone knows their favorite snacks to stock up on when the opportunity presents itself. You can never go wrong with eating the last cookie or grabbing one more snack.
9. Playing Music Instead of Working in Silence
You're bound to want to listen to some music while you're at work. Once the boss walks away, it's a good time to enjoy that playlist of yours. Some people enjoy listening to music at their desks more than others.
10. Rearranging Their Workload to Avoid Annoying Tasks
Employees sometimes use a little unsupervised time to decide which assignments actually deserve their attention first. Instead of immediately tackling a tedious report or complicated spreadsheet, they might complete a few easy tasks to build momentum before returning to the difficult one. Others postpone work they find frustrating until they're in a better frame of mind to handle it.
11. Checking Their Personal Email
There can be so many reasons why you may want to check your personal email during the day. Maybe it's to let someone know that you're on your way or to check whether you've received an important email. Some people check their personal email way too much during the day.
12. Talking About Their Boss With Coworkers
As soon as your boss leaves, it's a good time to hear what others think about certain decisions. People might speak highly of their boss or think that something wasn't fair. You'll hear about this from your colleagues and other friends who know your company. Knowing how others feel can be helpful.
13. Updating Their Résumés or Checking Job Listings
Not every employee who browses job listings is actively planning to quit, but curiosity can get the better of almost anyone. A disappointing meeting, an unexpected workload increase, or a particularly frustrating day might prompt someone to check salaries and see what other companies are offering. They may update a résumé, review their professional profile, or bookmark a promising opening while their boss is busy elsewhere.
14. Taking a Longer Route to Get Coffee
It's a great excuse to leave your desk to grab a cup of coffee. You can use that time to walk around and visit other coworkers. Everyone takes that time to enjoy the break, knowing that their boss won't ask where they are.
15. Reading News and Celebrity Gossip
Many employees keep up with current events throughout the day, but their reading material isn't always related to their industry. When the boss isn't watching, they might check sports results, read celebrity gossip, follow a developing news story, or catch up on local events. These websites provide an easy mental break between demanding assignments, particularly when someone needs a few minutes away from spreadsheets and reports.
16. Making Personal Calls in Private
There are some things that you like to keep to yourself and away from others at work. When your boss isn't around, you can hop on the phone and have that private moment. Maybe it's a call with your family or a conversation with someone you know that will make your day better.
17. Taking Advantage of an Empty Office
When the boss is away for the day, the entire workplace can feel a little more relaxed. Employees might choose a different desk, move to a comfortable meeting area, or enjoy a quieter corner where they can concentrate without interruptions. Others take advantage of the freedom to adjust the temperature, change the lighting, or rearrange their workspace to suit their preferences.
18. Practicing Conversations Before Meetings
We all have things that scare us, and we sometimes talk to ourselves about them. It's not unusual to think about our next situation and plan what to say. People have been known to say things out loud that they wouldn't want others to hear if they were there. Once you get used to talking to yourself, you'll feel more comfortable with whatever situation you're presented with.
19. Celebrating When a Difficult Task Is Finally Finished
If you're stuck on a work task that takes you hours to complete, it's a good feeling when you're finally able to get it done. Once you finish that project, you'll be pumped. You'll just want to make sure your boss doesn't see how ecstatic you are. We all love that feeling of accomplishment when we finally get through a work project.
20. Doing Absolutely Nothing for a Few Minutes
Sometimes employees don't want to shop, watch videos, or talk to anyone; they simply want a moment when nobody needs anything from them. They might sit quietly at their desks, close their eyes briefly, or take a few deep breaths before deciding what to tackle next. A short pause can be particularly welcome after back-to-back meetings or a demanding stretch of work.
