Workers urged to 'energise' day

Workers are encouraged to get up and walk about during the day

Most workers in Scotland are at their most productive in the office between 1000 and 1100 BST, a survey has found.

A Scottish Gas study found energy levels then plummet until lunchtime and reach their lowest ebb at 1600 BST.

The company's Adrian Harvey said low energy and poor productivity was "seriously bad news" for businesses across Scotland.

Workers are encouraged to look beyond a cup of coffee to boost energy levels by stretching and walking around.

The survey asked workers across the UK to rate their energy levels in their respective working environments and those in Scotland came a lethargic last.

TIPS TO GAIN MORE ENERGY Take stairs wherever possible Stretch calf muscles and roll shoulders Try interval working Get out of the office for lunch Reward yourself for completing tasks

Offices, shops and factories north of the border fared the worst, with almost a quarter of those surveyed saying their workplace had little or no energy.

The high-octane workplaces appear to be in London, with 30% of workers saying they felt or experienced high energy levels.

Mr Harvey said workers in Scotland were affected by peaks and troughs in productivity.

"Productivity levels are at their highest for only a short period, right at the start of the working day, before rapidly declining," he said.

"By four o'clock, the afternoon slump has well and truly kicked in, and it looks like most people are thinking about home-time rather than work.

'Afternoon slump'

"However, our long-hours culture is reflected in a final surge in activity and increase in productivity in the early evening."

The study also looked at how Scottish workers try to boost flagging energy levels.

About 54% of the working population rely on caffeine to revitalise them, while 43% take the opportunity to get up from their desk and go for a five-minute walk.

A further 33% favoured having a snack, while 25% said talking to a colleague would help re-energise them and 17% said listening to music helped.

Scottish Gas commissioned the research to launch its Energise Up campaign.

About 1,292 workers were surveyed online between 8 and 12 July by YouGov.