Productivity Myths Marketers Should Abandon in 2021

Productivity is often misunderstood but is crucial for any business. Many studies show that employees feel pressured to work longer hours, sacrificing their work-life balance and facing unhealthy competition. This toxic productivity usually leads to unhappiness and higher turnover rates.

The rise of remote working hasn’t helped either. Studies indicate that 70% of employees work on weekends, and 45% spend more time on their computers during the week than they would in an office. This can seriously harm employee morale and mental health, eventually leading to burnout. It’s important to tackle these issues and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Working longer hours doesn’t equate to being more effective. In fact, it can reduce focus, making tasks take longer and increasing mistakes. Consistently long hours can also be harmful to your health.

A concept called ‘hustle porn,’ coined by Reddit’s founder Alexis Ohanian, highlights the obsession with overworking, particularly among entrepreneurs and IT workers. Ohanian argued at a Web Summit in Lisbon that working excessively long hours can damage both physical and mental health.

Research also shows that the most productive workers don’t necessarily put in 8-hour days. Instead, they work shorter hours with frequent breaks. So, rather than staying glued to your desk, consider taking breaks to boost productivity and maintain a better work-life balance.

Many employers, especially those supporting remote work, expect employees to wake up early. It’s a common belief that early risers are more productive and successful. However, BBC Worklife reports that only about 25% of people are naturally inclined to wake up early. For the majority, it’s more about how you manage your time rather than when you wake up.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. You can wake up at 10 a.m. and work until 6 p.m. and be as productive as someone who starts at dawn. Sometimes, you might need to get up early for meetings or travel, but managing your time effectively is key.

Starting your day with a cup of coffee and a plan can help, as can a quick workout. Caffeine can improve reaction time, alertness, memory, and focus, even if you’re sleep-deprived.

We’ve always heard that working hard leads to success. Society often equates long hours with career advancement or turning a passion into a business. Yet, more companies are focusing on smart work over hard work. Tools like Postcron help automate tasks, emphasizing efficiency.

The truth is, the number of hours you work doesn’t determine your success. Besides hard work, you need determination, business skills, and sometimes a bit of luck. Even if you’re starting a business or side hustle, you don’t need to sacrifice your personal life or weekends. Alternatives like renting out space, selling unused items online, or offering consulting services can supplement your income.

The key takeaway is that achieving your ambitions doesn’t mean giving up everything. Effective use of your time and talents is what truly matters.

The myth that money is the greatest motivator persists because society often values wealth highly. However, studies show that motivation at work comes from feeling valued and doing meaningful work, which varies for each person.

Employee loyalty largely depends on how they feel about their immediate bosses and teams. Psychological studies reveal that intrinsic motivators, like a sense of purpose and loyalty, are more powerful than extrinsic ones like money. Hence, team-building activities and employee recognition are great motivators.

If you’re looking to boost your productivity, you’ll come across various advice and techniques. Ultimately, the best approach is to find what works best for you, ideally backed by science.