Does your energy wane in the late afternoon? Do you make a mad dash for coffee just to get an instant energy fix so you dont nap at your desk? Youre not alone. According to a new Accountemps survey, the time period between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. is the least productive time of day for employees.
Thirty-seven percent named that period in the day when the hit a wall. Twenty eight percent of senior managers said their employees start nodding off between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is based on responses from more than 1,000 managers at companies with 20 or more employees.
Accountemps offers five tips to help employees avoid the slump:
1. Plan ahead Dont push challenging projects off until the end of the day, when your energy may wane. Use your less-energetic periods to catch up on more routine tasks, such as responding to e-mails and reading industry publications. (Um, wait a minute
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2. Get out and smell the roses If you feel your energy beginning to dip, stretch or take a short walk to recharge. Try eating your meals or holding afternoon meetings outside.
3. Eat well. Remember to make time for lunch and snacks throughout the day. Avoid high-carb foods which tend to cause you to crash later.
4. Track goals Keep a to-do list to remain focused and ensure its visible on your desk so you can check items off as they are completed.
5. Switch gears If youre struggling to focus, take a quick break and research something new.
