Employee Productivity Wanes After 2 P.M.

Late afternoon is when many workers experience a slump in productivity, according to a survey from Accountemps.

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of respondents said 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. is their least productive time of day, while 29% reported it is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fifteen percent said they are least productive from noon to 2:00 p.m., 9% said from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and 14% reported they are least productive from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Asked if they are more or less productive the week before a major holiday, 32% said they become more productive, with 15% saying “much more” productive and 17% saying “somewhat more” productive. Nearly half (47%) indicated there was no difference in their productivity the week before a holiday.

Meanwhile, nearly 22% reported they are either “somewhat” or “much” less productive before a major holiday.

The survey was developed by Accountemps and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 1,000 U.S. workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments.