Monday least productive day of the week for worn out Brits

LONDON, UK: For nearly half of the nation (48 per cent) Monday is the least productive day of the work week, with six out of 10 (57 per cent) admitting to feeling anxiety and stress during the weekend in anticipation of the beginning of the work week.

The study, carried out by Westin Hotels & Resorts - whose "Westin Weekend" experience is designed to make Mondays better with 3pm Sunday check-outs and extended breakfast hours - highlights a growing need amongst Brits for more leisure time and opportunities to unwind and disconnect over the weekend.

The research, which looked at how technology and work obligations have impacted on Brit's personal lives, showed that more than a third (36 per cent) of workers say they feel tired at the start of the working week, while 5 out of 10 (52 per cent) have had their health and well-being negatively impacted by work due to lack of exercise, sleep and relaxation.

Sue Firth, Occupational Psychologist at the London Stress Clinic, said: "People need the weekend to relax and unwind from the stresses of work, so that they come back on Monday full of energy. Many of us feel obligated to answer emails at home when we should be able to rest, or make ourselves available for work discussions that could really wait until after the weekend, so initiatives like the Westin Weekend that aim to help us achieve a better balance are important."

"Over time this is going to affect a person's well-being, leaving them tired and moody which in turn can affect personal relationships. It can also make us feel resentful about work and less likely to contribute when we are in the office. I tell clients to pick out a landmark a short distance from home and use that as a cutoff point, so that when you go past it, you mentally leave work behind ready to enjoy home time. If you have to work at home, limit the number of evenings you'll do this in a week and stop working after 9pm to ensure you get a good night's sleep," says Firth.

Brits say ‘I need a break':

* One in two (50 per cent) Brits spend up to three hours working on the weekend answering emails or calls

* Six out of 10 (62 per cent) say their personal life has been negatively affected by work, with nearly half (45 percent) saying it has had a negative impact on family relationships

* More than a third (36 percent) have quit, or considered quitting, a job because it had a negative impact on their relationships

* More than a quarter (28 percent) have been in the middle of a ‘romantically special moment' with a partner, when work interfered and ruined the moment

* The "Westin Weekend" experience allows guests more flexibility and time to make the most out of their weekend getaway, letting them sleep in with 3pm Sunday late check-out, extended breakfast hours for its energizing SuperFoodRX menu all weekend and more.