New study shows workers are rewarded for appearances over outcomes, with RTO mandates intensifying the disconnect
Honolulu, Hawaii, September 2025 – For many U.S. employees, the appearance of effort and productivity is the new, ultimate job requirement. According to the Connext Global 2025 KPI Confidence Gap Survey Report, two-thirds (66%) admit to “productivity theater”—the optics of work, rather than work itself—while fewer than one in four (23%) say their contributions are measured by clear, outcome-based metrics. With the current surge of return-to-office (RTO) mandates, the trend of visibility over value is only deepening in the workforce.
The survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. employees, conducted in August 2025 via the third-party platform Pollfish, found that workers believe speed and presence often outweigh business impact. The findings reflect a growing misalignment between how employees create significance and how companies choose to measure it.
Key findings from the report include:
- Two-thirds of employees (66%) admit to engaging in productivity theater, such as staying late (33%) or taking on extra tasks (34%) mainly to be noticed.
- 64% say visibility is rewarded at least sometimes instead of actual results, proving that appearances frequently outweigh impact.
- Only 27% of workers feel they are most productive in the office, yet 37% believe their manager assumes that’s where they do their best work.
- Most employees (69%) view RTO mandates as visibility-driven, with morale expected to drop by a net 22 points under these policies.
- More than half (55%) say their performance goals change at least occasionally, and 42% report that unclear or shifting targets drain motivation.
- Just 23% of workers say their performance is measured against clear, outcome-based metrics, and only 22% believe KPIs fully capture what good work looks like.
- Employees believe managers tend to recognize speed and responsiveness (45%) more than tangible results (40%) or innovative ideas (30%).
- A strong majority (77%) want better performance systems, favoring real-time feedback and organized contribution goals (59%) above other reforms.
The growing gap between how employees add benefits and how they’re measured creates opportunities for organizations like Connext Global to reset the standard. By focusing on end goals, greater clarity and stronger trust between employers and their teams, companies can move beyond productivity theater toward systems that truly reward impact.
“Outdated benchmarks are stifling achievements in today’s workplace,” said Tim Mobley, President of Connext Global. “Employees are frustrated with being judged on rituals and want recognition for the impact they create. Companies that shift their focus to outcomes will not only restore confidence but also unlock stronger, more sustainable performance.”
The findings of the 2025 Connext Global KPI Confidence Gap Survey Report highlights an urgent need for organizations to rethink and modernize how success is measured. As employees call for milestone-based metrics, real-time feedback and transparent promotion systems, companies that answer this demand will build workplaces where reliability and results go hand in hand.
For the full results and additional insights, view the Connext Global 2025 KPI Confidence Gap Survey Report.
Productivity Theater Becomes the Norm
Performative work is not an edge case; it has become the majority experience. Two-thirds of employees admit to engaging in productivity theater, including piling on extra tasks to look busy (34%), staying late to be noticed (33%) or joining meetings simply for visibility (24%).
These behaviors are not rooted in idleness. Instead, they reflect a national response to workplace systems that confide being seen with being effective. Workers have learned to optimize for the actions managers reward, even when it doesn’t move the business forward.
The reality has ripple effects. Teams waste time to show productivity rather than creating it. Morale suffers when promotions and recognition go to those who look busiest, not those who deliver the most impact. And ultimately, companies risk rewarding optics instead of outcomes.
About Connext Global Solutions
Connext Global Solutions delivers scalable, customized outsourcing solutions to help businesses grow faster and operate more efficiently. With deep expertise in healthcare, finance, and back-office operations, Connext builds high-performance teams that combine technical skill with a commitment to client success. Headquartered in Honolulu, Connext is dedicated to creating long-term value for clients, employees, and communities alike. Discover how Connext Global Solutions can help your business scale efficiently with customized offshore support teams. Contact us to schedule a free assessment of your business needs, explore our transparent pricing options, and learn how Connext can help you scale efficiently.
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