Working Hard or hardly working?

Two reasons why I don't like this one if i am working hard and you say this to me I will want to punch you, and if im not working hard then you have reminded me that I'm being lazy thus guilty thus angry at you for saying that. So never say this to anyone with a job especially at their job, or simply never say this ever. This joke, even if you work hard, it will hardly work.
Exceptions: To inquire the status of a machine such as a printer, or you could greet maybe a cat like that.... unless it's a shop cat.... well maybe if it's a laid-back shop cat.