Goldbricking

Goldbricking refers to the act of avoiding work or shirking one's duties, often by pretending to be busy or contributing minimal effort while still appearing to be engaged. It involves a conscious attempt to deceive superiors or colleagues to gain an advantage, such as free time or recognition for work not performed. This behavior is typically viewed negatively, as it undermines productivity, team morale, and fairness within a work environment. The term implies a degree of cunning or manipulation, where the individual actively seeks to exploit the system for personal gain. goldbricking can manifest in various forms, from excessive breaks and prolonged lunch hours to faking illness or creating the illusion of work through excessive meetings or irrelevant reports. Its impact extends beyond individual laziness, fostering distrust and resentment among those who shoulder a heavier workload and can significantly decrease overall company output.

Goldbricking meaning with examples

• During the project's crunch time, Mark was frequently found taking extended breaks. He'd be on his phone or chatting with other employees, clearly goldbricking while everyone else was putting in extra hours to meet the deadline. His lack of contribution was noticeable.
• The manager suspected that several employees were goldbricking, attending long, unproductive meetings to appear busy. She started monitoring their project contributions and time management more closely, intending to address the issue before it affected the department's output.
• Instead of working on his assigned tasks, John spent most of the day surfing the internet, occasionally glancing at his screen to give the impression he was focused on his work. His colleagues knew he was goldbricking, causing a build up of their own workloads as a result.
• The new employee quickly became known for goldbricking; frequently disappearing for extended periods, claiming numerous personal issues. This behavior placed unfair pressure on other team members, who had to consistently cover his responsibilities and the work that he wasn't doing.