Clock Botching

A new workplace trend gaining momentum is clock botching, which refers to employees physically appearing at work while mentally checked out. The term is a more active version of workers "clock watching." However, instead of counting down the hours to leave the office, individuals engage superficially by, for example, stretching a two-hour task over an entire day, half-participating in video calls, or drifting through their shift—effectively "botching" the clock itself.

UK-based newspaper Metro coined the term to describe staff "making up time, rather than making time count." Clock botching ultimately reflects disengagement—not necessarily due to laziness but rather emotional fatigue, disconnection, or a lack of purpose. Often, it signals underlying burnout, low morale, or employees feeling unsupported.

The behavior is especially alarming due to its potential to affect entire organizations. It erodes productivity and romanticizes simply being "on the clock," even when contribution is minimal. In its 2025 article, "Every Office Has a 'Clock-Botcher'—Is It You?," Metro recommends that employees work smarter by taking breaks throughout the day rather than extending the workday and risking mental fatigue and reduced concentration.