File scepticism dragging workplace productivity, report finds

“People don’t distrust documents because they’re edited. They distrust them when edits change reality,” the report read.  

“Nearly nine in 10 say changing numbers is unethical, and the same share say removing timestamps crosses the line, which suggests the ‘trust crisis’ isn’t about edits—it’s about evidence.”  

Addressing scepticism at work  

The report noted that having clear standards, shared expectations, and better tools will help reduce scepticism in the workplace.  

It outlined a quick checklist for employees when looking at files shared with them:  

• Check the sender if the person usually sends this type of file and whether the timing makes sense  
• Look for gaps: missing email thread, missing attachments, unclear timeframe, or a screenshot with no explanation  
• Request a clean export, like a PDF, report download, or share link with permission/history  
• Scan for small inconsistencies: mismatched fonts, odd spacing, blurry numbers, cropped timestamps, or totals that don’t add up  
• Confirm a single point outside the file, such as a calendar invite, a system record, a message in the original tool, or a quick confirmation from the sender  

“The goal isn’t to investigate every file. It’s to create a repeatable habit that protects speed and trust, especially when a document could impact decisions, money, or reputations,” the report read.