By noticing when Trader Joe’s is open 

The Trader Joe’s near me has a transparent automatic door, a big chalkboard with open hours, lights on inside, and plants outside. I can look inside and see the activity. 

It’s sending a collection of strong signals inviting me to ‘come on in’ and shop for groceries. 

Those signals change when the store is closed and the door is locked.  The power of a locked door isn’t how secure the lock is, but the signal it sends and the expectation it sets.

Digital presenteeism and pretend productivity send mixed signals with squishy expectations that undermine both the invitation to engage and the power of ‘do not disturb’ mode for deep work.

So, how might you untangle the signals?

What does it mean to be available and responsive? Why is it important?

Signaling true availability is a tricky expectation to navigate in a professional (or personal) context. We send signals all the time about whether we are open to being approached or not - headphones and body language are super common ones. 

The prevalent green dot signaling ‘available’ across digital platforms is another one. Or ‘timely’ responsiveness to an email or slack message. Or having your camera on during a virtual meeting. 

But these signals become mixed if they’re just token motions.

When I’m actively communicating, thoughtfully responding, or paying attention the signal is clear and vibrant because it’s straight from the source. I’m doing the work and delivering value, which means I don’t have the time and attention for token-motion theater. 

I know it’s pretend productivity and digital presenteeism for me when I’m trying to signal things like ‘look at me working normal business hours’ or ‘I’m a ‘professional’ because I’m responding immediately’ or ‘you can see me paying attention on Zoom because I’m not looking at a different screen’.  

I’m trying to send the signals I assume people expect from me as a remote working professional - like availability and responsiveness. 

Someone somewhere - school, a past job, or the employee handbook - sets the expectation of ‘working hours’ but what does that even mean in days of asynchronous knowledge work across time zones as we work remotely. 

Sending clearer signals probably requires questioning assumptions, a bit of experimentation, and an exploration of how much you’re willing to shift expectations.  

Your work is not just being a green dot or instant responder. It’s delivering the actual goods so that something valuable, meaningful, and delicious can be created as fuel for everyone involved. 

So, how might you shift the signals you’re sending?