The plural of anecdote is 'bullshit'


I’m a big fan of Trello, but the only reason to visit their blog is to check for new features. Unfortunately, they feel the need to pad it out with the sort of content-free content that makes workplace violence seem like a reasonable response.

Take this, for instance: “Here’s Proof That Office Layout Doesn’t Affect Productivity”.

Using the DeskTime time-tracking and productivity app, I examined people working in three different environments: an open office, a closed-space office, and a cubicle. It turns out that working in a closed office leads to just 4% more productivity than working in an open office (89.3% vs. 85.8%).

But here’s the kicker: the most productive setup (91.1%) of the trio was the bane of every modern worker’s existence—the dreaded cubicle.

This absolutely reeks. No sample size, no description of what type of work the “tracked” employees did, what industries they were in or even what countries, and no hint of how long this intern “studied” them, but she’s got proof that will put your foolish opinions in their place.

And her solutions? Forget office layout, and focus on art, plants, headphones, and blocking social media.

(and yes, I know her bio calls her “senior writer and content marketer”, but I used to work with a guy whose business cards said “Lord High Everything Else”, so I’m sticking with “intern”)


Comments via Isso

Markdown formatting and simple HTML accepted.

Sometimes you have to double-click to enter text in the form (interaction between Isso and Bootstrap?). Tab is more reliable.