Happy Labor Day everyone!
I couldn’t resist on a holiday that celebrates the contributions of workers to share with you this infographic about productivity in the workplace. The survey was conducted by Red Bull, the energy drink company.
I must say some of the results were pretty obvious. Like 43% of people lose productivity immediately before or after vacation. Gee, ya think? But others were interesting – for example, 31% claim their productivity falls 4-6 hours into the workday. It makes me realize how true the research is about stepping away at lunchtime for our well being and productivity.
Check out the rest of the stats below. What do you think of the numbers on energy drink users?
Matt Middlesworth says
Hi Sharlyn – thanks for sharing this.
The cure for lost workplace productivity is certainly not Red Bull, and I trust that is not what you’re advocating here. Saying Red Bull is the cure for lost workplace productivity is almost like saying cigarettes are the cure for workplace stress.
Maybe 92% of people are energized and focused after having a Red Bull, but the long term health effects of the sugar and junk in their typical energy drink will reduce productivity in the long run.
The sad part is that they know energy drinks aren’t the cure for lost productivity, and the “quick fix” mentality they are using to promote their product is misleading and shameful.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Hi Matt. Thanks for the comment. I agree – the cure for workplace productivity is not Red Bull. Or coffee, chocolate, and the five minute Candy Crush Saga distraction. What I found interesting was what people do when they feel the energy slump. And that’s why I shared it in a post, in case others found that interesting too.
Angela says
What is also misleading and shameful is that this is an advertisement disguised as an infographic. Check out the fine print–“This survey was conducted online…among 2,046 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,093 are employed. This online survey was not based on a probability sample” Only half of the respondents are actually employed! The fact that it’s not a randomized survey makes the results less trustworthy, and on top of that, their use of the words “we” and “us” are a clever marketing tactic to take advantage of the fact that people are more likely to do something if they believe that others are also doing it. I’m going to guess that “water, coffee, energy drinks, and other” were the only options respondents could choose from when reporting their fatigue-fighters, because where is there any mention of exercise, tea, snacks, or naps?
Catie Farrow says
Hey Sharlyn – thanks for posting this! I’d definitely be interested to hear more about what happens before/during/after that 4-6 hour when almost a third of us lose productivity!
PS what ever happened to nap rooms?
Thanks!
Sharlyn Lauby says
Hi Catie. Thanks for the comment. Fistful of Talent did a series on the research results. You can find more analysis here, here and here.
Funny you should mention naps. I’ve been seeing a lot more articles lately about naps as a way to increase productivity. Also whether or not our workplaces are mature enough to handle allowing naps at work.