How To Make the Most of Your Work Day (from Working It)
Coaching Real Leaders
Deep Dive
Why do people work best at different times of the day?
People's energy levels follow a general pattern of peak, trough, and recovery throughout the day, influenced by their chronotype (larks or owls). Larks perform best early, while owls peak later in the day, often in the evening or night.
How can understanding chronotypes improve productivity?
By aligning tasks with individual energy peaks—analytic tasks during peak times and administrative work during troughs—people can maximize their productivity. Breaks during troughs are also crucial for performance.
What percentage of people are larks or owls?
About 15% are strong larks, 20% are strong owls, and the majority (around 65%) are in the middle but lean toward larkiness.
How has remote work impacted owls?
Remote work has given owls more control over their schedules, allowing them to work when they are most productive, often late at night, without the pressure of early morning office hours.
What should managers do to support employees with different chronotypes?
Managers should allow flexibility in work schedules, measure results rather than input, and avoid scheduling early morning meetings for night owls. Empowering employees to work when they are most effective boosts productivity and satisfaction.
What are effective strategies for managing energy troughs during the workday?
During troughs, focus on administrative tasks that require less analytic or creative effort. Taking breaks, especially walking outside with others, can also help restore energy.
What are the principles of effective breaks?
Effective breaks include moving outside, socializing with others, and fully detaching from work, such as leaving phones behind. Even short breaks are better than none, and breaks with others are more restorative than solo ones.
How can managers encourage better work-life balance?
Managers should model the behavior they want to see, such as taking regular breaks. Encouraging employees to schedule breaks, like a 15-minute walk, can lead to greater happiness and productivity.
What is the key to managing a team with diverse chronotypes?
The key is to give employees sovereignty over their work schedules, aligning their tasks with their natural energy rhythms. Measuring results rather than hours worked fosters a more flexible and productive environment.
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