Employers may be wise to hand out important tasks before lunch after research has found that workers suffer a major productivity slump mid-afternoon.
A survey by employment law firm Peninsula has found that the majority of UK workers are far more alert during the first half of the day, and many start to switch off in the afternoon.
The research revealed that the majority of UK office workers are far more productive in the morning, with 82% hitting their peak of efficiency at 10.30am.
On the other hand, more than three quarters of respondents said they tended to run out of steam mid-afternoon, with 76% admitting to winding down after 3.30pm.
Alan Price, head of HR practice at Peninsula, commented: “People told us they lose focus after 3:30pm and start planning what they intend doing after hours, such as where they are going out that evening or indeed spending the rest of the working day surfing on the internet.
“It seems workers feel they have completed most of their work by this time so they can afford to switch off. Unfortunately this can be frustrating for company bosses because they pay their staff for work hours contracted.”
However, Price added that whereas scrutinising workers will prove difficult, there are a number of ways that employers can ensure that productivity is more balanced throughout the day.
He added: “Consider introducing initiatives which are achievable that may result in a slightly earlier finish time or will result in a weekly prize rewarded for hard work.
“Employers also need to ensure that staff are given regular rest breaks and chance to escape the office, if only for a few minutes so that they do not become bored or preoccupied with other matters.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007