Feeling lazy? How workers combat the 'afternoon crash'

4 in 5 employees report feeling a sudden energy dip in the afternoon – here’s how many are coping

Feeling lazy? How workers combat the 'afternoon crash'

It’s after-lunch and the buzz of a busy workplace has died down. Chances are, your workers are experiencing the ‘afternoon crash’.

This period, lasting between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., is typically when employees feel the least productive, so some use it to tie up loose ends or finish simpler tasks instead, a survey from payroll specialist Paychex showed.

READ MORE: Top productivity killers in Canadian offices

In fact, four in five workers report feeling this “sudden energy dip”, and it’s said to happen an average of 3.2 days, or more than half the work week.

Employees can end up feeling very drained during the midday slump that a quarter have admitted to falling asleep on the job due to exhaustion and a lack of focus, the study found.

How do workers combat the ‘afternoon crash’?
One quick fix is caffeine. It’s a remedy for three in five respondents (57.3%), and nearly half of caffeine-dependent workers rate it as effective. But, as analysts from Paychex pointed out, “the effects can plateau, and side effects may persist”.

Other solutions to the afternoon slump entail workers becoming physically active and recharging their mind and body in a setting other than the workplace. Two in five workers stretch, while a third go outside for a walk or get some fresh air.

Some resort to socialising with colleagues (26.3%) to give them a midday boost.

READ MORE: Long work hours waste time and lead to lower productivity

Others take a more holistic approach by trying to get more sleep at night (24.1%) or avoiding a carbohydrate-packed lunch (12%), which reportedly causes the body to release serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with sleep.

As there is a variety of techniques to combat the afternoon slump, Paychex compiled the following methods:

  • Drinking a caffeinated beverage
  • Taking a break from a project
  • Stretching
  • Having a snack
  • Drinking water
  • Walking
  • Going outside
  • Switching work tasks
  • Socialising with colleagues
  • Trying to get more sleep at night
  • Listening to music
  • Avoiding a carbohydrate-heavy lunch
  • Chewing gum
  • Taking a power nap
  • Eating dark chocolate
  • Calling a friend or family member

Recent articles & video

Ai Group seeks 2.8% minimum wage hike in 2024

Australia's job vacancies fall 6.2% in February

Love and business: Can a break-up lead to unjust dismissal?

Worker claims unfair demotion after temporary supervisor role ended

Most Read Articles

Employer shoots down worker's request for 'mutual separation'

Payroll officer charged for stealing over $1 million from employer: reports

Fair Work: 'Workplace trauma' didn't lead to forced resignation