Just a few days ago Forbes online published a blog with this title by David Sturt and Todd Nordstrom (read it here) that really challenges conventional wisdom about the workplace. They look at six common beliefs and then dig into the research to find out whether it is actually true of not. Here are the ones they quashed:
- 8-hour work days lead to productivity
Wrong! Research indicates that the most productive workers do not work a full eight hours in a day, and take 17 minutes of break for every 52 minutes worked. They also point out that some places are now introducing 6-hour work days with no loss in productivity. - Money is the best motivator
Wrong again. The research shows it is actually feeling appreciated and having good relationships at work that employees value most and keeps them motivated. - Jump right in, put your head down, and get it done.
Again, wrong. Instead, research shows that tasks are best accomplished by pausing first, asking plenty of questions, and taking time to tweak the project. - High achievers make great managers.
Sorry, this is wrong too. Instead, the research has revealed that great managers are those people who actually take them time to understand their people and their talent. - Remote employees are less engaged.
Uh Oh. Wrong. The research shows that employees who moved to working remotely experienced a sustained productivity increase of 13%. Not inconsiderable. - Do what you love, and you will never work again.
No – this is wrong as well. On this issue, the research notes that it is asking the question at the start of a project, “What difference could I make that other people would love?” that makes all the difference.
As you process these rebuttals to traditional thinking, challenge yourself to implement one of these changes and see if it works for you and your organisation.
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