It didn't take a national survey to determine what many of us have known for years: We lose energy as the day wears on.

A third of the executives surveyed said 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the least productive time of the business day for employees. Second was lunchtime or noon to 2 p.m.

The national poll by Accountemps found that the period between 10 a.m. and noon is the most productive of the work day, followed by 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., then 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The company recommended that important projects and decisions not be put off until the end of the day when energy and enthusiasm may wane.

That time could be better spent responding to routine matters, filing and updating contact lists.

It also recommends getting a bit of fresh air and making time for a complete meal midway through the day. We're thinking about asking the boss for a cot and nap time. A snooze in the 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. slot would be just the thing to have more energy on our own time in the evenings.

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