Despite our label as the most hard-working nation in Europe, Britain’s workers are only concentrating for five hours a day, new research has found.
The research, by Boots, found that employers are losing up to 151 minutes per worker each day because they are tired.
Over three quarters of people said that although they sleep for seven hours, they still find it difficult to concentrate at work.
Most employees don’t wake up until 45 minutes into their working day, and, after a 32-minute lunch break, lose concentration again for up to an hour and 14 minutes from 2pm.
The findings revealed that while they are finding it difficult to concentrate, nearly 40% of workers surf the internet, and one in five text their friends, rather than trying to combat their loss of concentration.
More than half of workers said they can’t function without regular caffeine hits, visiting the kitchen to make tea or coffee at least four times a day.
Angela Chalmers, a pharmacist at Boots, said the modern lifestyle means it is difficult to stay alert from nine to five.
“We have become a nation of ‘slumpers’. It’s hard to maintain energy levels when you’re stressed out at the office and living off a diet of chocolate bars and crisps, but thankfully all it takes are a few simple diet and lifestyle changes to get you back on track.
“Alcohol can also affect your sleeping patterns – you may wake up tired and under-perform, and excessive caffeine can also have a negative effect on your energy levels, sending you into a downward spiral rather than an upward curve,” she said.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
