The short-form video app TikTok has drastically changed contemporary workplace attitudes and practices. By popularising new terminology for various professional scenarios, the app has significantly influenced modern work culture.
In the first half of this year alone, TikTok has spawned several notable workplace trends. These range from seeking professional career advice to ‘coffee badging’, where employees briefly appear at the office just long enough to be seen before working remotely.
These trends reflect broader shifts in work-life balance expectations, remote work dynamics, and evolving attitudes towards career advancement. Through its viral content, TikTok has become an unexpected yet influential platform for discussing and shaping workplace norms, particularly among younger professionals.
However, the app’s impact extends beyond merely coining phrases; it’s fostering dialogues about job satisfaction, work boundaries, and professional identity in the digital age. That said, here are some of the latest TikTok trends shaping the workplace today:
1. Save the day
‘Saving the day’ is a challenge where one commits to doing an activity for oneself each day. It’s a method to reclaim time after finishing tasks from work or other duties. Trina Merz began this challenge on TikTok with friends to make their days more fulfilling after work hours. The idea, which spread through a video, has become a way for people to take back their day, regardless of their situation – be it office workers, parents at home, or students.
This challenge encourages folks to create moments for themselves, turning evenings into experiences. Any activity will do, as long as it brings joy or helps one recover after busy days. Examples include surfing, going for a walk, meeting an old friend, or trying a new eatery. Adding these rituals to daily routines can help people reclaim their time and bring a sense of peace to their lives. It’s a chance to give oneself a moment of calm.
The aim is to make each day a bit more rewarding, even after dealing with work or responsibilities.
2. Fauxductivity
‘Fauxductivity’ is a term used to describe fake productivity in the workplace, where workers pretend to be busy or productive when they’re not actually doing much work. It’s a response to pressure from employers to appear constantly active.
This behaviour includes:
- Moving the computer mouse to seem online
- Keeping the laptop screen on to appear present
- Focusing on tasks that look important to managers, rather than doing genuinely useful work
- Responding quickly to messages, even outside work hours
- Attending meetings after normal work time
A study by Workhuman found that many employees, including managers and executives, engage in this behaviour. Reasons for ‘fauxductivity’ include trying to have a better work-life balance, pleasing bosses, and coping with burnout.
The trend stems from worries about job cuts, increased workplace monitoring, and doubts about remote work effectiveness. It creates a culture where looking busy becomes more important than being productive.
3. Office siren
The office siren trend involves dressing in a more revealing and provocative style at work, often including fitted clothing, short skirts, and statement glasses.
It has been a popular topic of discussion on social media, with some people finding it empowering and others criticising it for being inappropriate or unprofessional.
According to a report by Business Insider, the trend focuses more on workplace fashion that combines corporate fashion with 1990s and 2000s styles, appealing to Gen Z’s interest in Y2K aesthetics. Key elements of the look include: Red lipstick, pencil skirts, high heels, turtlenecks, chunky jewellery and neutral colours or black.
The trend aims to create a mysterious, professional image, inspired by films like The Devil Wears Prada and TV shows like Friends.
4. ‘Very demure, very mindful’
Another TikTok workplace trend that went viral this year is the ‘very demure, very mindful’ trend.
TikToker Joolie Lebron started this trend with a video about workplace behaviour, where she spoke about her makeup being “demure and modest” at work.
While demure is defined as “reserved, modest,” and perhaps a “little coy,” Lebron’s definition is more about being “mindful,” “cutesy,” “sweetsy,” and “considerate,” as per her account.
“I don’t come to work with a green-cut crease. I don’t look like a clown when I go to work. I’m very mindful while I’m at work. You see how I look very presentable?” she said in her video, which has over 53 million views on TikTok so far.
The trend caught on, with the US White House and organisations like NASA, as well as celebrities joining in.
5. Corporate girlie
The ‘corporate girlie’ trend on TikTok is a phenomenon where young professionals, primarily women, are sharing their positive experiences and enthusiasm for their 9-to-5 jobs.
This trend is characterised by showcasing the perks and benefits of working in a corporate environment, such as free coffee, opportunities for personal growth, and a sense of community. Some of the key aspects of this trend include:
Celebrating the positive aspects of office life: TikTok users are highlighting the advantages of working in a corporate setting, such as stability, structure, and opportunities for advancement.
Sharing tips and inspiration: Many creators are offering advice on work attire, productivity hacks, and creating a positive work environment.
Challenging stereotypes: The trend is helping to dispel negative stereotypes about corporate jobs and Gen Z workers, demonstrating that it’s possible to have a fulfilling and enjoyable career.
While some reports have suggested that Gen Z workers are more likely to exhibit negative work behaviours like “quiet quitting” and “bare minimum Mondays,” the “corporate girlie” trend offers a counter-narrative, showcasing the positive aspects of office life and the potential for a fulfilling career.
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