Call us on 0844 324 5840

NEWS

The Mid-Afternoon Slump Explained

Mid-Afternoon Slump Explained | HR Solutions

The typical mid-afternoon slump has been explained… And the cause isn’t what you might think.

Research by the NHS has identified that 2.16 PM is the least productive time of the working day. However rather than being due to the post-lunch ‘food coma’, the mid-afternoon slump is actually caused by rising CO2 levels in the workplace.

As office workers convert the available oxygen in their workspace into carbon dioxide, the CO2 levels rise. Whilst this is not dangerous, the increase in CO2 can lead directly to reduced concentration and decision-making performance. It can even cause headaches and nausea.

Typically the concentration of CO2 outdoors is about 380ppm (parts per million); however indoors this can increase to several thousand ppm over the course of a day.

So how can you stifle the post-lunch slump in your workplace? It appears that the modest potted plant may be the way to go.

Plants supply most of the world’s oxygen via photosynthesis, a process which requires carbon dioxide, water and sunlight. Keeping plants in your office will reduce the CO2 level, provide more oxygen, and make the place look nice.

There are numbers to back up the NHS’s conclusion. Three separate experiments by universities in the UK, Australia and the Netherlands found that keeping plants in the workplace can increase productivity by as much as 15%. They also found that employee satisfaction increased by up to 40%.

As if pre-empting the research, TREExOFFICE is a prototype pop-up office situated in a London park. Designed by Groundwork London, the office is built around a tree and is intended to blur the lines between the office and the natural world. With Wi-Fi and its own power supply the office is available for group hire at weekends.

Although traditional working structures are steadily changing, projects such as TREExOFFICE may still be some way from becoming the norm. However the benefits of keeping plants in the office and staving off the afternoon slump may be enough to justify getting a few more pots for your workplace.


Do you have a HR issue that you need help resolving? We offer 30 minutes of FREE HR Advice.

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

RELATED RESOURCES

Explore our comprehensive library of related resources to gain valuable insights, expert tips, and helpful tools for optimising your HR practices.

01
Insightful results of annual SME Business Survey to be revealed at Your Business Expo
Insights
22 January 2024
02
Think tank recommends changes to sick pay
11 May 2017
03
Employers increase salaries and benefits to attract staff
8 May 2017

Request a Call from an HR Advisor

Our expert HR Advisors are here to assist you. To schedule a complimentary 30-minute call, please complete the form below. One of our advisors will reach out within 24 hours to either conduct the consultation or arrange a suitable time.

SIGN-UP FOR UPDATES

Receive all the latest industry insights, expert tips and exciting updates from HR Solutions, straight to your inbox.

Strategic HR thinking whitepaper

Our latest HR whitepaper offers an in-depth analysis and strategic framework aimed at transforming Human Resources into a pivotal element of business success in the rapidly evolving corporate environment of 2024.

PARTNER REGISTRATION

Register your details below and we will contact you regarding how HR Solutions can support your organisation.

MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

var iframe = document.getElementById('pageurl-general-popup-6'); iframe.src = iframe.src + "?Form_Completion_Page=" + window.location.pathname + "&" + window.location.search.substr(1);

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Please complete the form and one of our team will call you back to discuss your query/booking.

Request your free trial

Register your details below and we will contact you about your 30 day free trial of the HR Knowledge Base.

REGISTRATION FORM

Register your details below and we will contact you about access to the HR Knowledge Base.  As part of your approved industry membership organisation you can get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by Business HR Solutions, which is the go-to resource for thousands of business owners and managers across the UK.

REQUEST A PROPOSAL FROM US

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

2023/2024 SME BUSINESS SURVEY

Our latest 2023/24 SME Business Survey sheds light on the intricate dynamics shaping the SME sector and unveils critical insights that can guide businesses toward sustainable success.

IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE HR ADVICE LINE TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

HR Solutions are here to help. We offer a standard hourly rate package for ad hoc HR advice which means you can pay for what you need, whenever you need it, and then quickly get advice. Our highly experienced advisors are on hand to provide you with practical employment advice to help you manage your workforce.  You can purchase HR Advice Line time now, and the time purchased will be valid for 12 months.