Myths in the corporate world - Office
Myth #1: A happy worker is a productive worker
It’s not the happy worker who is the productive worker. It is the productive worker who is the happy (and satisfied and engaged) worker.
These more productive workers may also be intrinsically motivated by the sense of self-satisfaction from their accomplishments
Myth #2: Money is the best motivator
The point is that from a management perspective, it is important to know what motivates each individual worker in order to get the best out of them.
- Some workers will forgo higher-paying jobs to do work that is meaningful or that helps other people. Consider teachers, nurses, and workers in nonprofit organizations
- Social reinforcement—thanking workers on a regular basis for their efforts, for example—and other forms of recognition can be extremely motivating and less expensive.
- Some workers may value autonomy—the ability to work from home or set their own work hours—more than a little more compensation.
- Some are motivated by the power and status that is associated with the money they make.
Myth #3: Hard management produces
Far too many managers believe that being tough and using punishment for poor performance is a good strategy. It’s not! Research is very clear that punitive management is not only bad management, it’s inefficient.
Myth #4: All work stress is bad.
Not true. Stress, in small amounts, can be a motivational force. Indeed, the relationship between stress and jmob performance is curvilinear (an inverted U-shape in a graph), such that small amounts of stress can be motivating, focusing our attention and challenging us to perform up to our potential.
Myth #5: A conflict-free workplace is a good thing.
Similar to stress as a motivator, small amounts of workplace conflict—such as when workers disagree about the best way to perform a task, or argue about which new product has the best potential to succeed—can lead to creativity and innovation
Myth #6: Working 8 hours will do the job.
Working for 8 hours does not guarantee productivity; it's about engaging in "deep work," which involves focusing without distraction on challenging tasks. This concentrated effort can significantly enhance productivity and the quality of work produced. Acknowledge the reality of focusing on results and well-being.
Myth #7: An empty office with no atmoswhere and harsh light will increase the office work
An empty office with harsh lighting and no atmosphere is likely to create a negative environment that can lead to discomfort and decreased productivity. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and fatigue, making it difficult for employees to focus and work effectively.
Myth #8: Productivity Means Being Busy All the Time
The Belief: If employees look busy—typing away, attending meetings, or staying late—they must be productive.
The Reality: True productivity isn’t about activity; it’s about outcomes. In fact, constantly appearing busy can be a sign of inefficiency or poor prioritization. Studies show that multitasking and over-scheduling lead to cognitive fatigue, shallow thinking, and burnout.
Myth #9: Annual Reviews Are Enough for Employee Growth
The Belief: A yearly performance appraisal is sufficient to evaluate and guide an employee’s progress.
The Reality: One-off reviews tend to be backward-looking, anxiety-inducing, and disconnected from real-time performance. Continuous development requires regular conversations, goal setting, and feedback.
What Works Instead:
- Shift to continuous feedback models (monthly or quarterly check-ins).
- Use growth-focused conversations, not just evaluation.
- Pair employees withmentors or learning communities to guide long-term development. Growth is not a once-a-year event—it’s a continuous journey supported by real engagement.
Myth #10: Office Perks = Employee Engagement
The Belief: A fun office with free snacks, beanbags, and ping-pong tables automatically leads to higher engagement.
The Reality: Perks are nice—but they don’t replace purpose, autonomy, or respect. Employees may appreciate amenities, but they stay and perform for meaningful work, fair treatment, and a sense of belonging.
What Works Instead:
- Build psychological safety where people feel heard and trusted.
- Connect individual work to larger purpose and mission.
- Prioritize well-being, flexibility, and growth opportunities over gimmicks.
Myth #11:Dresscodes. Professional Means Always Formal
Demystify the myth that professionalism equals formality. Understand the reality of adaptability and personal style in professional attire. This insight discusses how embracing diverse clothing choices fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Myth #12: Hierarchy Determines Value
Demystify the myth that hierarchy determines individual value.
This insight discusses how organizations thrive when individuals from different levels actively contribute, share ideas, and collaborate, creating a dynamic and innovative work environment
Myth #13: Being Late is Always Unacceptable
Challenge the myth that being late is always unacceptable. This section explores the reality of understanding flexible working arrangements, considering individual circumstances, and valuing outcomes over strict adherence to clock time.
Myth #14: Multi-tasking is the Key to Productivity
Many people believe that multi-tasking is an efficient way to get more done in less time. However, research has shown that multi-tasking can actually reduce productivity by as much as 40%. When we try to focus on multiple tasks at once, our brains have to constantly switch between them, leading to mental fatigue and decreased performance. Instead, focus on one task at a time, and break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. This will help you stay focused and increase your productivity.
Myth #15: More Meetings Lead to More Productivity
Many people believe that meetings are an efficient way to get work done. However, too many meetings can actually reduce productivity. Meetings take time away from other tasks, and they can be a major source of distraction and stress.
Instead, limit the number of meetings you attend, and make sure that each meeting has a clear agenda and purpose. Consider alternatives to meetings, such as email, instant messaging, or project management software.
Myth #16: Checking Email Constantly Keeps You on Top of Things
Many people believe that checking email constantly is an efficient way to stay on top of things. However, constant email checking can actually reduce productivity by interrupting your focus and increasing stress.
Instead, set aside specific times during the day to check your email. Turn off email notifications so that you can focus on other tasks without distraction. This will help you stay focused and reduce stress.
Myth #17: You cannot leave work before your boss leaves.
It doesn’t matter if you leave before or after your boss, as long as you work is finished and you did a great job. If you complete the work before the logout time, you can log out from the day and leave.
Myth #18: Desks with decorations look messy and bad.
Having a few decorations like small plants can actually help you work better by reducing stress.
Myth #19: Necktie is professional and enhance productivity
Wearing a necktie is often thought to enhance professionalism and productivity, but research indicates that it can restrict blood flow to the brain, potentially reducing cognitive function. Studies have shown that tight neckwear can decrease cerebral blood flow by about 7.5%, which may counteract any perceived productivity benefits.
Myth #20: High heels are power
To see whether heels help or hinder women’s careers, Desai and her team conducted a series of studies to understand how people evaluated women across a number of dimensions and in a variety of work scenarios — leading a class, giving a presentation, interviewing for a job, taking part in a negotiation — with the only variable being whether the woman was wearing high heels or flats.
Time after time, women wearing flats were deemed more capable, more prepared, and earned higher evaluations from both men and women in their 20s through their 50s.
Myth #21 Plants in the office are messy
- According to home-based research by NASA, some indoor plants may considerably filter EMF radiation from your electronic equipment, such as phones and computers.
- According to a NASA study in 1989, you need 15 to 18 plants to sufficiently filter the air in a 1,800-square-foot area. Moreover, they advise growing each plant in a pot with a diameter of between six and eight inches.
https://outstandingstar.com/indoor-plants-that-absorb-radiation-and-emf/
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/02/harvard-talk-examines-effects-of-high-heels-at-work/
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180709/Wearing-neck-ties-can-reduce-brain-function.aspx
https://www.oexusa.com/whats-new/5-office-myths-debunked
https://corporate.one/workplace-mythbusting-what-we-believe-vs-what-actually-works/
https://funinoffice.com/debunking-office-myths-unraveling-misunderstood-rules-and-unspoken-ethics/
https://medium.com/@thepicturespeaksofficial/7-office-productivity-myths-that-dont-work-390583f1cbca
