Tired workers are only productive an hour a day

The average Brit is ‘at their best’ for just four-and-a-half hours a day, new research reveals. Being tired, energy slumps and constant distractions from the internet and our colleagues mean we are only functioning at our best for just a few hours per day. Worryingly, more than one in 10 feel on form for as little as an hour or less per day.

The research by Tilda Basmati rice found as many as one in six always start the day feeling tired before they have even begun, while 57% often feel lethargic at work.

And for 83%, eating the wrong foods and a lack of exercise means the slump continues well into the evening, as the average adult feels completely shattered three nights a week, results showed.

Results showed that a lack of energy is having a massive effect on our daily lives, with the average adult making six mistakes a week at work due to tiredness or a slump – 288 per year.

Zoning out in a meeting is the most common fatigue-induced slip-up, along with sending an email to the wrong person, oversleeping and forgetting about a meeting or special occasion.

It also emerged Brits could be mistakenly turning to the wrong foods when they need an energy boost; more than half admit to relying on tea or coffee to get them through their slump, while another 48% turn to chocolate whenever they feel drained.

Dr Sarah Schenker, dietitian and member of the British Dietetic Association said: “It’s not surprising to hear that many people turn to sugary snacks in an attempt to boost energy levels, but actually this is a mistake, as the energy is short-lived and they quickly feel just as tired as they did before. Sometimes this can lead to a negative cycle of snacking and feeling lethargic, which could ultimately lead to weight gain.

“Breaking deeply-ingrained snacking habits to make sensible food choices that reflect lifestyle and energy needs can be the turning point for many to overhaul energy levels and improve wellbeing.”

However, the study found 62 per cent of Brits admit they have routines or habits that could be to blame for the lack of energy, with more than four in 10 admitting they often go to bed too late. Another 39% watch TV late into the night, more than a third stare at their mobile or tablet screen before going to sleep, and 32% eat late.

Top 10 mistakes caused by a lack of energy
1 Zone out or glaze over during important meetings
2 Get confused about the day of the week
3 Forget why you entered a room
4 Sent an email to the wrong person
5 Overslept
6 Forgot about a special occasion
7 Do work you have already done
8 Forgot your PIN
9 Forgot to go to a meeting
10 Mess up tea rounds