In Douglas Coupland's book "Microserfs," the narrative delves into the workplace culture and the tendency of individuals to embellish their achievements during meetings. This behavior can be likened to adding fluff to a couch, where people present a more polished version of their work to impress colleagues and superiors. This embellishment is a common response to the competitive nature of professional environments.

By exaggerating accomplishments, employees aim to create a favorable impression, reflecting the pressures to succeed and stand out. Coupland captures this phenomenon, illustrating how the need for validation can lead to a distorted representation of one’s efforts. This commentary on workplace dynamics highlights the intersection of authenticity and ambition in modern careers.