HR and finance professionals in companies around the world are the least productive on a Thursday, according to new research
The survey of 1,800 HR and finance professionals in 11 countries, by recruitment consultancy Robert Half Finance & Accounting, reveals that 55% admit to not being productive every day of the week.
Of those respondents, Thursday is the worst day for HR professionals (only 4% viewing it as their most productive day) closely followed by Fridays (5%).
The start of the week is the best time for HR professionals, with 18% claiming to be productive on a Monday and 15% on a Tuesday. The UK is no exception with 22% preferring Mondays and only 4% achieving much on a Thursday.
Nearly half of all respondents claim to take at least two days to get up and running after a holiday, and of these one in 10 take a week or more.
The research reveals that one in four HR professionals feel that they would be more productive after a siesta. One in five HR professionals in the UK would enjoy this perk in the office.
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The survey also shows that improvements in IT would help make HR professionals more productive, with access to better computers (18%), laptops (11%) and palmtops (5%). An on-site gym is also seen a key motivator (18%), alongside natural light in the office (11%), air-conditioning (11%), their own office (10%) and an on-site crche (10%).
Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, said: “Companies should look at putting new practices and systems in place to help their staff achieve maximum productivity, such as training to help them build new skills and stress-combating techniques such as membership to a gym. And what better time for companies to start motivating their staff than the beginning of a new year.”
