A green status dot might show that someone is online, but does it really show that they are doing their best work?
New research commissioned by COS suggests many Australian employees feel they need to remain visible and responsive online to demonstrate that they are productive.
Based on a survey of more than 1,000 Australian office workers, the research found that 75% feel pressure to respond quickly to work messages to appear productive.
What is digital presenteeism?
Digital presenteeism is the pressure employees feel to prove they are working by appearing constantly available online, replying quickly to messages or remaining active on workplace communication platforms.
The COS research found this pressure often continues beyond the working day. Sixty-two per cent of employees sometimes or frequently respond to work messages outside normal hours because they believe it will reflect positively on their performance.
More than half also believe hybrid work has increased expectations that employees remain digitally available.
These findings raise an important question for Australian workplaces: are employees being recognised for the quality of their contribution or for how quickly and visibly they respond?
Moving beyond online visibility
The COS research has been featured in Human Resources Director Australia, where COS Co-CEO Belinda Lyone discusses how fast replies, active status indicators and constant availability can become confused with genuine performance.
The article explores how organisations can address digital presenteeism by defining what strong performance looks like, setting clearer communication expectations and ensuring leadership behaviours do not unintentionally create an always-on culture.
As hybrid work continues to evolve, organisations have an opportunity to look beyond digital visibility and create workplace cultures where meaningful outcomes matter more than simply appearing online.
Read the full article in Human Resources Director Australia.
