7 tips to boost afternoon productivity in the workplace

1. Optimise lighting for natural energy regulation

Office lighting plays an important role in maintaining afternoon alertness and combating energy drops.

Natural light remains the most effective solution, with desks placement near windows and glass partitions maximising daylight distribution throughout the workspace to help regulate circadian rhythms.

However, effective lighting strategies extend beyond natural light alone. Dynamic artificial lighting systems that adjust colour temperature and intensity throughout the day can significantly improve afternoon focus. Cooler, brighter office lighting during post-lunch hours helps maintain alertness, while warmer tones later support natural wind-down processes.

3. Create strategic acoustic zones

When energy levels are naturally lower, even minor noise disruptions can derail focus and productivity. Strategic office acoustic design becomes crucial for maintaining performance during these vulnerable hours.

Effective acoustic planning goes beyond simply reducing noise, it involves creating acoustic zones that match different work activities and energy levels. This allows employees to choose environments that support their current needs rather than fighting distractions.

 Acoustic solutions:

• Install sound-absorbing materials in high-traffic areas
• Implement white noise systems to mask distracting sounds
• Use acoustic panels that double as design elements
• Designate specific quiet zones for deep focus work

5. Integrate biophilic elements

Integrating natural elements into office interior design provides measurable benefits for afternoon productivity. Plants, natural materials, and nature-inspired patterns have been shown to reduce stress hormones and enhance cognitive function, particularly important during the natural afternoon dip.

Living walls, desktop plants, and natural material finishes create micro-environments that help employees feel more alerted and focused. The psychological impact of biophilic design elements helps counteract the mental fatigue that typically accompanies the afternoon drop.

Effective biophilic interventions:

• Install living walls in collaboration areas
• Use natural wood and stone materials in furniture and finishes
• Provide desktop plants for individual workstations
• Include nature-inspired artwork and patterns

6. Implement smart technology for personalised environments

Afternoon drowsiness is significantly influenced by environmental comfort factors. Stuffy air and incorrect temperatures can transform a natural energy dip into a productivity disaster that affects the entire team.

Smart building systems that maintain optimal temperature ranges (typically 20-22°C) and ensure adequate fresh air circulation are essential for afternoon performance. Modern technology can automatically adjust environmental conditions based on occupancy and time of day, reducing cognitive function decline and minimising temperature variations that compound natural afternoon fatigue.

Beyond climate control, smart workplace technology enables comprehensive personalisation that can significantly improve afternoon productivity. Occupancy sensors, app-controlled lighting, and programmable desk settings allow employees to quickly adjust their entire environment to match their energy levels and work requirements.

Mobile apps that remember individual preferences for lighting, temperature, and desk height help employees quickly optimise their workspace for afternoon tasks. This personalisation reduces the effort required to create ideal working conditions, leaving more mental energy for actual work.