<p>(Complete novice here)</p>

<p>I am looking for some research or publications that would tackle the question of how much rest is required for good mental performance / productivity and is there a schedule that would describe the relationship of work and rest. </p>

<p>The problem i am trying to solve is that of optimal productivity from a one knowledge worker (e.g. me) who’s output isn’t related directly to hours worked (not call center where every minute online talking to customer equals productivity). 
Empirically (observing self and colleagues) I know that working long hours every day leads to worsening productivity, but how many hours can be worked without a productivity dip? What if we measure productivity over a period of a week - is working 12 hours mon-wed and then 6 thu and fri better than working 7 hours daily?
What about need for long break - a vacation, there seems to be a negatively accumulating coefficient. </p>

<p>Any clues to research appreciated. Thanks</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-17T10:34:23.977Z
Related: https://psychology.stackexchange.com/q/1480 and https://psychology.stackexchange.com/q/16047
Chris Rogers
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-17T13:00:55.793Z
@ChrisRogers 2nd link certainly is useful, 1st - not so much :)
Konrads
<performance>
Mental fatigue and recovery schedule
Konrads
# Mental fatigue and recovery schedule

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-09-17)

(Complete novice here)

I am looking for some research or publications that would tackle the question of how much rest is required for good mental performance / productivity and is there a schedule that would describe the relationship of work and rest.

The problem i am trying to solve is that of optimal productivity from a one knowledge worker (e.g. me) who’s output isn’t related directly to hours worked (not call center where every minute online talking to customer equals productivity).
Empirically (observing self and colleagues) I know that working long hours every day leads to worsening productivity, but how many hours can be worked without a productivity dip? What if we measure productivity over a period of a week - is working 12 hours mon-wed and then 6 thu and fri better than working 7 hours daily?
What about need for long break - a vacation, there seems to be a negatively accumulating coefficient.

Any clues to research appreciated. Thanks

**Tags:** performance

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Related: https://psychology.stackexchange.com/q/1480 and https://psychology.stackexchange.com/q/16047  
> **username_0**: @ChrisRogers 2nd link certainly is useful, 1st - not so much :)  

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## 0 answers

