Two-thirds of U.S. workers admit to “productivity theater” while fewer than one in four are judged on real results
HONOLULU, HI – [September 24, 2025] – Connext Global Solutions, a leading provider of co-managed remote staffing and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, today released the findings of its 2025 KPI Confidence Gap Survey, revealing a striking misalignment between what employees contribute and what companies measure.
According to the survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. employees, two-thirds (66%) of workers admit to engaging in “productivity theater” behaviors such as staying late or joining unnecessary meetings simply to appear busy. By contrast, only 23% report being evaluated on clear, outcome-based metrics that reflect real business impact.
“Employees want recognition for the value they create, not the hours they log or the meetings they attend,” said Tim Mobley, President of Connext Global. “The survey findings make clear that outdated benchmarks hold people back and cloud what success truly means. Companies that adopt clearer, fairer measures will unlock both trust and performance.”
Key Findings from the 2025 KPI Confidence Gap Survey
- Productivity Theater Dominates: Two-thirds (66%) of workers admit to performative practices like taking on extra tasks for visibility (34%) or staying late to be noticed (33%).
- Visibility Trumps Results: 64% say they are rewarded for visibility at least sometimes, compared to 23% who are measured on outcomes.
- Office Bias Persists: Just 27% believe they are most productive in the office, yet 37% think their manager assumes otherwise. Nearly 70% say RTO mandates are driven by a lack of “on-display” work.
- Shifting Standards Drain Motivation: A majority (55%) report shifting performance goals, and 42% say unclear measures reduce motivation.
- Appetite for Reform: 77% want real-time feedback and promotion systems tied to results, with clearer outcome-based goals (59%) topping the list of desired changes.
The Bigger Picture: A Workplace Stuck in Rituals
The research underscores how traditional performance measures risk rewarding optics over outcomes. Workers increasingly optimize for visibility, speed, and availability — the metrics most often praised by managers — even when these don’t translate into meaningful results.
“AI isn’t killing jobs, it’s killing confidence. That’s what’s burning people out,” said a Connext spokesperson in a recent interview. “Add productivity theater to unclear metrics, and you get a workforce that clings to rituals instead of real impact. Leaders who set transparent KPIs and define clear outcomes will not only boost performance, but also morale.”
Why This Matters
For organizations, the costs are significant: wasted time, weakened morale, and promotions tied to presence rather than performance. For employees, the lack of clarity erodes trust and engagement.
“Recognition has to shift from immediacy to impact,” Mobley added. “In the new world of work, companies that prioritize outcome-based measurement will win — not just in execution, but in trust and loyalty.”
Survey Methodology
Connext Global used the third-party survey platform Pollfish to conduct an online survey in August 2025 of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18+, working in full-time positions. Respondents answered a mix of single-select and multiple-select questions. Eligible respondents included those employed full-time in one of three work arrangements: in-office, hybrid (part in-office, part remote), or fully remote. Individuals who were part-time or not currently employed were disqualified from completing the survey. Researchers reviewed all responses for quality control.
About Connext Global Solutions
Connext Global Solutions is a Honolulu-based provider of co-managed remote staffing and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, with delivery centers in the Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, and India. Connext specializes in building custom, high-performance offshore teams with industry-leading compliance and retention. Recognized on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list and the Everest Group Finance & Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) PEAK Matrix®, among other recognitions, Connext helps companies scale smarter by aligning global talent with outcome-driven results.
Read the full 2025 KPI Confidence Gap Survey findings here: https://connextglobal.com/connext_confidence_gap_survey_2025/
