Daily grind got you down? Here is a list of five things you can do to keep the boss man off your back while enjoying yourself from the comfort of your very own cubicle or workstation.

Stare Intently

When the boss walks by, you don’t want to be drooling all over yourself. Anytime someone comes near your workstation, put your fist under your chin and just sort of glare at the monitor for a few moments. This makes you look like you’re being very focused on your work and it gives you time to think about that cute cashier at the coffee shop.

Ask the First Question

Your boss or supervisor (or the office snitch) is approaching. You must approach the person, and then ask them some work-related question. Be sure and let them know that you have been looking for them. This little tactic always takes the person by surprise and makes it look like you’ve been working very hard while they have been missing in action. Soon you’ll have them wondering who else thinks that they’re gone all the time.

Have Your Work Number On Speed Dial

You see the boss headed in your direction. He’s muttering something about sales calls and he does not look happy. Bust open your cell phone and dial your desk phone number. Wait until the boss walks up, then as soon as he starts talking, press the talk button on your cell. You’ll have to excuse yourself, which buys you time to hide anything you shouldn’t have out in the open and gives you some breathing room to go through your excuse inventory as to why you haven’t completed whatever it is you were supposed to have done.

Get The “Wild Man” Look

This has to do with looking like you are an overworked robot or something. As th boss approaches your work space, mess up your hair, untuck about half your shirt , and walk toward the restroom, muttering sentence fragments like, “still doesn’t work…twelve hours…need a Hot Pocket…” Not only will your boss think your working really hard, he may just give you the rest of the day off.

Buy a Quiet Mouse

New technology is constantly being developed. If you just can’t resist the urge to play Solitaire or Texas Hold’Em during your work day, get a quiet mouse. There is nothing more obvious than someone clicking all afternoon. Plus, besides creating resentment with your co-workers because they are working hard while you are playing, the ones that have already bought the quiet mice are going to be upset at you for bringing undue attention back to the game-playing phenomenon.