When a villager is not working, they will occasionally request something. This is referred to as a wish. When the wish is satisfied (by tapping the indicator above the villagers head) you earn Gold and Experience.
A wish cannot be requested or fulfilled if a deal is in progress in all the buildings of that type on that island.
If you have it set that all your buildings and decorations are invisible, any TribeZman sitting on a bench will also be invisible.