When the clocks go forward, 70% of UK office workers say they struggle to adjust, and 32% admit it takes them up to five working days to feel back to normal. What sounds like a small seasonal shift is, in reality, a productivity wobble that many businesses underestimate.
As we reach the back end of February and British Summer Time edges closer, lighter evenings may be on the horizon, but so too is a very real dip in energy, focus and morale across UK workplaces. According to our survey of 2,000 UK office workers, 42% say they make more mistakes in the days after the clocks change, while 54% report feeling more irritable during that first week.
So, what is the true cost of losing just one hour?
One Hour, One Long Week, The Hidden Cost of Clock Change
It is easy to dismiss the time change as a minor inconvenience, but the data tells a different story. Nearly one in three employees say their productivity drops for up to a full working week, effectively creating a short-term slowdown across teams.
The ripple effect goes beyond individual tiredness. Our research found that 29% of office workers notice more miscommunication with colleagues in the week after the clocks go forward. Meanwhile, 37% say their motivation dips, and 46% experience a mid-afternoon slump that feels worse than usual.
In fast-paced environments where deadlines are tight and workloads are high, even a temporary lapse in concentration can lead to errors, missed details and strained working relationships. The result is not just lost hours, but lost momentum.
Why Our Bodies Struggle to Keep Up
Although one hour does not sound dramatic, it disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm. In fact, 63% of respondents said their sleep feels unsettled for several nights after the clocks change.
When sleep quality drops, so does cognitive performance. Tired brains are slower to process information, more prone to distraction and less resilient under pressure. That helps explain why 42% of workers admit to making more mistakes, from sending emails to the wrong person to overlooking key information in reports.
For businesses already balancing hybrid working, cost pressures and ambitious growth targets, the seasonal time shift becomes another factor quietly influencing output.
Sean Kachmarski, Health and Wellbeing Trainer at instantprint, explains: “When the clocks go forward, we are effectively asking our bodies to wake up earlier without preparation. Even a small shift can impact energy, focus and mood. If employers recognise that impact, they can take simple steps to help teams adjust more smoothly.”
He recommends a proactive approach:
- Encourage gradual adjustment, suggest going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the change
- Promote natural light exposure early in the morning to help reset internal rhythms
- Offer short-term flexibility with start times where possible
- Avoid scheduling high-pressure meetings first thing on the Monday after the change
- Remind teams to prioritise hydration, balanced meals and short movement breaks
“Small actions signal that wellbeing matters,” Sean adds. “That acknowledgement alone can make employees feel more supported and engaged.”
Communication Is the Missing Piece
Despite the clear impact, only 18% of workplaces proactively communicate about the clock change, according to our research. Yet 61% of employees say they would appreciate some form of guidance or acknowledgement from their employer.
This presents a simple opportunity. A quick internal message, a wellbeing reminder or a slight adjustment to team expectations during that first week can help mitigate frustration and maintain morale.
Dan Robinson, Head of Marketing and eCommerce at instantprint, says: “The clock change happens every year, but our research shows it still catches people off guard. Businesses that plan ahead and open up the conversation can reduce disruption and show they genuinely care about their teams. It is a small cultural touchpoint that can make a meaningful difference.”
For millennial-heavy workforces in particular, where conversations around wellbeing, flexibility and work-life balance are front of mind, acknowledging seasonal challenges demonstrates emotional intelligence and modern leadership.
Springing Forward Without Falling Behind
As February draws to a close, now is the ideal time for businesses to prepare rather than react. The clock change is predictable, but its effects are often overlooked.
By recognising that 70% of workers struggle with the shift, and that nearly a third lose a week of peak productivity, employers can take practical steps to protect performance and support their people.
Lighter evenings are a welcome sign that spring is coming. With a little foresight and flexibility, businesses can ensure their teams enjoy the benefits of brighter days without paying the price in lost focus and frazzled morale.
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