Italians work better in the morning: our country ranks first for productivity in the daytime

Italy has emerged as the top country in terms of daytime productivity among workers, according to an international study on chronotypes. The research, conducted by Herrmann International in collaboration with CVperfetto and MyPerfectResume, reveals that Italians have the highest percentage of individuals who report feeling more productive during the morning hours—52% higher than the average of the sample analyzed. This finding challenges common perceptions about Italian work habits, which are often associated with leisurely evenings rather than early mornings.

The study does not measure when Italians wake up or how many hours they work in the morning. Instead, it focuses on the concept of "chronotype," which refers to the time of day when a person feels most energetic, focused, and capable of performing well. In other words, Italy is not necessarily the country of early risers, but it is where more workers claim to function better during daylight hours. This distinction highlights the difference between actual waking times and perceived peak performance periods.

Other countries also show preferences for daytime productivity. Denmark and Sweden follow Italy, with respective increases of 48% and 43% compared to the average of the sample. Surprisingly, Spain also favors the morning. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Singapore leads in evening productivity, with a 45% increase over the average. The Philippines follows with a 39% increase, while France shows a 31% rise in workers who are more productive in the latter part of the day. Brazil and Mexico also exhibit above-average evening productivity preferences.

The study is based on over 2.5 million evaluations collected from 29 countries, each with at least 1,000 respondents. It provides insights into how work is perceived in Italy, where the evening is seen as family time, socializing with friends, and engaging in community activities rather than handling emails or work-related tasks. However, the findings also raise questions about whether current work schedules accommodate all employees equally.

Age groups reveal varying patterns in productivity preferences. Workers starting their careers, typically younger individuals, are 29% more likely than the average to report being more productive in the afternoon or evening. Conversely, those in managerial positions are 32% less likely to fall into this category, suggesting that leadership roles might align more with traditional office hours.

Certain sectors show a stronger presence of evening-oriented profiles. According to the study, fields such as art, writing, entertainment, consulting, and services are more commonly associated with individuals who perform best later in the day. These areas often require personal concentration and creativity, which can be less tied to conventional office hours and more dependent on individual focus periods.

This data underscores the diversity in work rhythms across different cultures and professions, highlighting the need for flexible approaches to work schedules that consider individual differences in energy levels and productivity peaks. As organizations continue to explore ways to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction, understanding these variations could lead to more personalized and effective workplace strategies.