And The Least Productive Time Of Day Is … 2:55 PM

If you’re a manager, make sure you are on your workers at 2:55pm today (if you’re not feeling a little worn by then yourself). The mid-afternoon marker has been confirmed as the least productive time of day after a recent survey or workers.

LondonOffices.com questioned more than 400 workers to find what they consider to be the least productive time in their work day. According to researchers, 2:55pm emerged as the clear winner, theorizing that it’s right about the time folks hit an after-lunch lull and start setting aside work for Facebook and Twitter.

Other respondents said that 2:55pm was about the time they started thinking about what they wanted to do that evening.

So how do you boost yourself back up and finish the work day strong? Most said that they needed a mini-break around that time, consisting of one last (strong) cup of coffee or a candy bar.

According to Michael Davies of LondonOffices.com:

“We all have peaks and troughs when it comes to our levels of productivity, but the trick is to maintain a steady work level rather than swing between extremes.

“Often if people have a burst of energy and get a shed load of work done in one hour, they maybe under-perform for the next two.”

He continued:

“I would recommend people take a few five minute ‘mini-breaks’ throughout the day. This could include popping to the water fountain, grabbing a cup of tea or even a quick walk round the office.”

Also among the survey’s findings: 10:26am was considered the most productive time of day, with 4:16pm running a close second. That’s when folks start cramming in work last minute so they can finish the day.

Office workers also admitted to “checking out” about 18 minutes before the day was over, even though nearly 75 percent admitted to often working at least 10 minutes late.

What’s your least productive time of the day?

[Image via: DenisNata / Shutterstock]