Don't go to the bank on Thursday

New research shows that financial employees are at their least productive on Thursdays.

Just four per cent of finance professionals, in the UK and worldwide, think that Thursday is their most productive day, research from recruitment consultancy Robert Half Finance & Accounting reveals.

Of the 55 per cent of finance professionals who say they are not productive every day of the week, Thursday is the worst day for finance professionals - closely followed by Fridays.

Conversely, Monday and Tuesday are the best days of the week for those working full time in finance.

In the UK 22 per cent of financial professionals like Mondays best, while just one in 25 say they achieve anything much on a Thursday.

As well as underachieving as the week wears on, 45 per cent of respondents to Robert Half Finance & Accounting's survey said it takes them at least two days to regain their focus after a holiday, with one in 11 of these taking more than a week to return to top form.

However, sleeping on the job might help.

One UK finance professional in five thinks they would work better after a siesta. Twice as many Italian finance professionals think an afternoon nap would improve their performance.

People wanting better motivated bankers and fund managers might also want to write to their provider requesting that they install an on-site gym, air conditioning, and a creche - as these were all things that significant numbers of finance professionals felt would make them more productive.

Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, commented: "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."