Tuesday most productive day, according to survey

Office Solutions, Apr 2002

Forty- eight percent of executives surveyed recently by Accountemps said employee performance was best on Tuesdays. Fridays were viewed as the least productive, with i percent viewing it as the day of peak performance.

Executives were asked, "In your opinion, on which day of the week are employees generally most productive?" Monday followed Tuesday in the

responses, with 26 percent believing it was the most productive day. Wednesday and Thursday came in at 9 percent and 5 percent, respectively. These results were consistent with two other polls conducted in 1987 and 1998.

"It's natural for activity levels to fluctuate throughout the course of the week," said Accountemps chairman Max Messmer. "By learning to identify the normal peaks and valleys in staff productivity, managers can provide additional motivation when it is needed most," he said.

Messmer added, "Mondays can be hectic because there are frequently more meetings scheduled. By Tuesday, employees may be better focused on day-to-day responsibilities." He also noted that as the weekend approaches productivity slows, and this is a sign that workers may need closer guidance or a morale boost to keep their minds focused on projects instead of weekend recreation.