8 ways to fake that you are actually working hard in this scorching heat

Doing nothing is incredibly difficult. You never know when you're done. Especially not when it's thirty-nine degrees and you have the concentration of a sea anemone. Your colleagues don't notice, you know., because you're way too busy pretending to work hard. Our secret tactics? Here they come. *Clears throat. ‘Thiiiiis is how we doooooo it…’

Do the Kiki

Without even looking away. ‘Yeah, no, sorry colleagues, I just need to sit somewhere else for a moment because I really can't concentrate. I really need to focus.’ If someone unexpectedly walks by, you start typing like a madman. It doesn't matter what. What you still need to do this weekend, your grocery list, the lyrics of that fantastic song by Kraantje Pappie… Preferably a bit loud and fast, with a dramatic sigh here and there. You're working so hard now that you spontaneously start to feel a bit dizzy.

Do the Annick

Earbuds in and super focused, staring into space. You're so busy. With the new episode of Temptation Island. All under the banner of research, of course. Another good one: stay seated as everyone cleans up to go home. Unfortunately, that doesn't work for you, because #busy.

Do the Lilian

I mean: if you're as busy as you are, you just can't always have lunch with the rest. They understand that too. Eating at your desk at least once a week is the motto. You, busy bee.

Do the Lot

A.k.a. get water 38 times a day because #stayhydrated in this weather. Oh, and people who walk fast are in a hurry. People who are in a hurry are busy. Are you going to get coffee? Walk fast. To the bathroom? Make it quick. Whatever you do: stay visible. Breakdance. Use those square meters. Look at you being busy.

Do the Adeline

The first thing you do when you wake up? Send an email. With everyone in the cc. It doesn't matter what it's about, think of something. For example, that we shouldn't forget the poor, pathetic office plants in this weather. Oh, and also: arrive five minutes before your colleagues at work. I mean: you've been there for hours, doesn't everyone know that?

Do the Annabelle

The best tactic to feign busyness is simply to pull a Houdini and disappear. Think of something. You're busy with Project X for at least half a day and cannot be disturbed. Nobody knows what you're exactly doing or where you are, but that you're Too Busy To Talk is certain.

Do the May

Call a spade a spade. Hey everyone, you're going to work. Really hard. And right now. Typing. So everyone knows. ‘Meeting in ten minutes? Or wait, half an hour?’ (*Meanwhile scrolling through MyTheresa…)

Do the Danielle

Glasses on the tip of your nose, hair tied back, and super focused you are, hoppa. Extra credible if you occasionally write something on a post-it or chew on a pen, otherwise they might think you're not really working. Imagine. You can quietly wonder whether those Sissy-Boy glasses are nicer in matte black or cobalt blue.