Dont expect much from HR Professionals on a Thursday

HR and finance professionals in companies around the world are the least productive on a Thursday, according to new research released today (26 January 2006) by leading recruitment consultancy Robert Half Finance & Accounting. The survey was conducted with 1,800 HR and finance professionals in 11 countries around the world and provides an insight into productivity at work.

Of those who claim not to be productive every day of the week (55 per cent), Thursday is the worst day for HR professionals (only four per cent viewing it as their most productive day) closely followed by Fridays (five per cent). The start of the week is the best time for HR professionals, with 18 per cent claiming to be productive on a Monday and 15 per cent on a Tuesday. The UK is no exception with 22 per cent preferring Mondays and only four per cent achieving much on a Thursday.

Nearly half of all respondents (45 per cent) claim to take at least two days to get up and running after a holiday, and of these one in ten (nine per cent) take a week or more. The Italians take the longest to get back into the swing of things (59 per cent taking at least two days) and those in Luxemburg are the most productive, with 73 per cent claiming to be raring to go on day one. HR professionals in the UK are more productive than the average, with 60 per cent claiming to be industrious on the first day back.

The research reveals that one in four HR professionals (25 per cent) feel that they would be more productive after a siesta, with this figure rising to 39 per cent for the Italians. One in five HR professionals in the UK (20 per cent) would enjoy this perk in the office.

Phil Sheridan, Managing Director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, comments:

îOften the key characteristic that separates a good employee from a great one is personal motivation. People who perform at the top of their game each day share some specific attributes that keep them motivated such as passion, time management skills, pride in their work and ability to work with others. However, employers must help their staff to keep motivated. 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.î

The survey also indicates that improvements in IT would help make HR professionals more productive, with access to better computers, laptops and Blackberrys mentioned by 18 per cent, 11 per cent and five per cent respectively. An on-site gym is also a key motivator (18 per cent), alongside natural light in the office (11 per cent), air-conditioning (11 per cent), own office (10 per cent) and an on-site crche (10 per cent).