UK workers are most productive at 10:30am but start winding down from 3:30pm.

That’s the conclusion of research into the habits of 2,736 office workers by employment law firm Peninsula, which recommends employers find ways to ensure staff take a more balanced approach to their working day.

“There are a number of options that bosses can take to ensure workers maximise their productivity but employees also need to understand they get paid to work a full day,” said Alan Price, head of HR practice at Peninsula.

“Consider introducing initiatives which are achievable that may result in a slightly earlier finish time or will result in a weekly prize rewarded for hard work.

“Employers need to ensure that staff are given regular rest breaks and chance to escape the office, if only for a few minutes so that they do not become bored or preoccupied with other matters,” he added.