Conventional wisdom will often give us mantras to handle life in a better way, but it often proves to be wrong, especially when it comes to the workplace. Some of the workplace wisdom have been proved to be dead wrong when researched closely. Here are some of the workplace myths that you may still believe, but are not true in today’s workplace.

Myth#5: Longer working hours lead to productivity

This myth has been in employers’ and employees’ mind since long. People see productivity and time as directly proportional entities. In fact, most productive people work for lesser hours when compared to employees with average productivity. According to a study, productive employees take a break of approximately 17 minutes after working for 52 minutes. Lately, a town in Sweden strictly implemented 6-hour workday for everyone in the corporate world. The reason behind such decision is that employees are more productive when they work for shorter duration. Typical 8-hour workday will no more do the trick to bring out the best productivity from your employees. Taking breaks at regular time intervals and working for shorter duration will surely increase your employee’s productivity.

Myth#4: Remote employees are less engaged

Most of the companies do not provide flexible work hours or do not allow an employee to work remotely. Employers think that remote employees are not dedicated to the company, which is one of the biggest workplace myths. But, as per the research, people who work from home or work remotely are highly engaged with their company. Additionally, these employees prove to be more productive when allowed to work from home. Providing flexible working hours will enable employees to work whenever they feel like working and this will benefit the company in long run.

Myth#3: Those who work really hard are promoted

It’s not that hard workers do not get promoted; it’s just that most likable and smart people get promoted. Just doing your job with focus will not help you get a promotion; you will require putting your social skills at work. If the company had to choose between two people for promoting to the senior level, the one will lesser skills but is highly likable will be their choice instead of the one with great skills but is liked by none. According to study, people who lack social skills are perceived to lack other life and work skills as well. So your social grace will be the deciding factor when it comes to your growth in the corporate world.

Myth#2: E-mail is the best way of communication

Most of the corporate communication is done via e-mails. E-mails are overrated. Face-to-face conversation or video/audio calls are far more effective than plain text. The intent of the e-mail can be misinterpreted without the inclusion of audio or visual signs. Emoticons were invented so that we could use them to add intent to our text, but corporate mails rarely use emoticons. So, prefer having face-to-face conversations if possible, or rely on audio or video calls instead of sending those plain e-mails.

Myth#1: Money is the best motivation

Majority of employers think that providing more money through incentives or appraisal will motivate people to deliver better. That’s not the case. No doubt money plays a major role in getting things done or getting better talent, but it is not the factor that will truly motivate your employees to contribute to company’s goal. When several employees were asked what motivates them, only 7% answers included money as the motivating factor. Rest of answers included recognition, good workplace environment, work-life balance, and friendly co-workers/teammates. So if you think money will get it done, it won’t. Appreciating employees for their work will surely motivate them to keep up their work and improve it over time.

The workplace has evolved over time and so have the methods and rules. If you still believe in above mentioned workplace myths, stop doing that right away.