Examining workweek variations in computer usage patterns: An application of ergonomic monitoring software
journals.plos.org
Alternative work arrangements have emerged as potential solutions to enhance productivity and work-life balance. However, accurate and objective measurement of work patterns is essential to make decisions about adjusting work arrangements. This study aimed at evaluating objective computer usage metrics as a proxy for productivity using RSIGuard, an ergonomics monitoring software. Data were collected from 789 office-based employees over a two-year period between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 at a large energy company in Texas. A generalized mixed-effects model was utilized to compare computer usage patterns across different days of the week and times of the day. Our findings demonstrate that computer output metrics significantly decrease on Fridays compared to other weekdays, even after controlling for total active hours. Additionally, we found that workers’ output varied depending on the time of day, with reduced computer usage observed in the afternoons and a significant decrease on Friday afternoons. The decrease in the number of typos was much less than that in the number of words typed, indicating reduced work efficiency on Friday afternoons. These objective indicators provide a novel approach to evaluating the productivity during the workweek and can help optimize work arrangements to promote sustainability for the benefit of employers, employees, and the environment.

Alternative work arrangements have emerged as potential solutions to enhance productivity and work-life balance. However, accurate and objective measurement of work patterns is essential to make decisions about adjusting work arrangements. This study aimed at evaluating objective computer usage metrics as a proxy for productivity using RSIGuard, an ergonomics monitoring software. Data were collected from 789 office-based employees over a two-year period between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 at a large energy company in Texas. A generalized mixed-effects model was utilized to compare computer usage patterns across different days of the week and times of the day. Our findings demonstrate that computer output metrics significantly decrease on Fridays compared to other weekdays, even after controlling for total active hours. Additionally, we found that workers’ output varied depending on the time of day, with reduced computer usage observed in the afternoons and a significant decrease on Friday afternoons. The decrease in the number of typos was much less than that in the number of words typed, indicating reduced work efficiency on Friday afternoons. These objective indicators provide a novel approach to evaluating the productivity during the workweek and can help optimize work arrangements to promote sustainability for the benefit of employers, employees, and the environment.

    • Suck_on_my_Presence@beehaw.org
      3·
      1 year ago

      I agree with the sentiment but not the words, Haha. I work 4x10s and would by far rather work on a Friday than a Monday, although I do switch it up sometims to take advantage of holidays and such. But to each their own, ofc.

      • autumn (she/they)@beehaw.org
        6·
        1 year ago

        the company i work for switched to half day fridays, which i typically use to tie up loose ends. it works really well! and i still get a little bit of work done without feeling like i’m barely scraping by.

        • 0110010001100010@beehaw.org
          4·
          1 year ago

          This seems like a good middle ground. I can tell you unless someone schedules something on a Friday afternoon I’m pretty much done come lunch time.

    • stown@sedd.itEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I think the problem will persist no matter when the last day of the work week falls. People are burnt out and thinking about their plans for the weekend.

    • lemillionsocks@beehaw.org
      4·
      1 year ago

      Yeah I understand how friday itus can definitely be an issue, and I am pro 4 day work week, but I find that there is never enough freetime. Come back from a long weekend and a short week? Still cant wait till punch out time friday.

      I used to work fast food and have done call center work and my current job is by comparison stress free and super easy. I am aware of how good I have it but it doesnt make me excited to be here instead of actually off.