If you read lots of press releases … as I do (yes, I know I should ‘get a life’), you soon realise that just about everything is claimed to improve productivity.
Most often such ‘stories’ relate to what is termed ‘personal productivity’ … the kind of ‘productivity’ that is aided by powernapping, reminder software, crystals, copper bracelets, iPads, honey … you get the picture.
These claims are accompanied by details of a survey or study … which almost always is based on a self-selecting constituency. Again, you know the kind of thing. “60% of people say eating chocolate mid-morning helps productivity” says the President of the Chocolate-Eating Guild after a survey of members.
So, if you do see a claim about productivity, check out the credentials of any study … and, even then, keep your tongue in your cheek and your money in your pocket.