Tuesday is the most productive day of the week

A survey of managers in the US has found 39% believe Tuesday is the most productive day of the week, followed by Monday (24%) and Wednesday (14%).

“Many workers spend Monday catching up from the previous week and planning the one ahead,” Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, who conducted the survey, said.

“On Tuesday, employees may begin to have time to focus on individual tasks and become more productive. The goal should be to maintain the positive momentum established on Tuesday throughout the week.”

Thursday and Friday tied for fourth place with only 3% of respondents claiming they are most productive towards the end of the week, while 17% chose “no particular day”.

The survey also reported 37% of employees mentally check out from work between 4pm and 6pm, while 28% are least productive between 2pm and 4pm.

However, the report also busted the myth that employees struggle to return to work post-vacation. In fact, 51% of respondents said they were more productive coming back from a holiday as opposed to the 31% who believe they got more work done prior to leaving.

Those who said they were more productive after returning from a break identified the 10am to 12pm time period on a – you guessed it – Tuesday.

Want everyday to be a Tuesday? Accountemp shared five tips to turn up productivity regardless of the day:

1. Axe the excess: Make sure your to-do is focused, realistic, and only lists your top priorities.

2. Aim for quality, not quantity: Multi-tasking could be doing more harm than good, so try to focus on one thing at a time, and give it your full attention.

3. Know your prime time: Everyone has an “optimal working time” so identify yours and try to tackle your most demanding work then.

4. Dodge derailers: Reduce distractions by putting away your mobile devices, holding your calls or making sure your team only approaches you for urgent matters. Cutting out interruptions will help you better focus and get work done.

5. Explore apps: In the tech-savvy world of today, there is an app for nearly everything. Consider getting those which can help you better manage your time and work, or stay connected and on track.