Myths about the future of work

Do you remember the time before the pandemic, when you would browse the job openings and your eyes catch the phrase “We offer a perfect work-life balance”? And you would think, hey, I love that! My list of myths about the future of work is going to cover some of these types of catchy phrases everybody is talking about.

Myths about the future of work

Myth: Remote work kills the productivity

This myth is the most common one. Often, employees draw conclusions about the employees being unproductive based on their own feelings and not the real-life data. In one of my recent posts, I was sharing with you, my dear reader, some interesting statistics I found on the Internet. Statistics show that working from home increased productivity by 13% over the period of 9 months. And there is a simple explanation to it. Working from home improves the work-life balance, and people have more time to spend with loved ones, or with their hobbies.

Myth: Everyone wants to work from home permanently

Now, me, being a total ambassador of working from home, I do have cravings for being around people. Therefore, as it works for me the best, I do choose once or twice a week to go to the office and work closely with my colleagues. Humans are social creatures. Nothing can beat face-to-face interaction.

Myth: Work culture is evolving because of the pandemic

First of all, nothing can change the culture. But the way we work, it was the process that was evolving since looooong time. The pandemic just fastened the process and kicked us 20 years further.

Myth: Networking and connection can only be done in person

It is true that we got used to virtual connections with our peers. We don’t panic anymore as we had a few years of working from home trial. Now, it feels more natural, and we know our tools to make others be engaged in our conversations. And those who don’t feel like talking, mute themselves and turn the cam off. Something that in an in-person setting you would not be able to do.

Myth: An average office is good enough

Now, we all have a lovely home office workspace that we created during the past few years. We have our gadgets, accessories, furniture that we selected ourselves, decor and perhaps some greenery in pots. And if we have to go back to the office, the office should be, if not as good and comfortable as our home setup then better than that! Otherwise, why would I leave my pretty nest?

Myth: Give engineers a table football and call it a perk

Oh, my gawd! How many times have I seen this as a “perk”? “We have a ping-pong table”, or “we have a table football”, or even they have both… I mean, do you really think it is something engineers want? That’s what I call “being lazy” and giving something people don’t care about. Give us a home office or hybrid office option and you can win us!

I hope my list of myths about the future of work gave you something to think about. Tell me in the comment section, do you agree or disagree? Maybe there is something you would like to add to the list?

Featured photo by 霍天赐