Half of us say we’d be more productive if working hours were halved

A study commissioned by Logitech found 45 per cent of UK employees have already implemented smart AI tools that allow them to be more productive in less time.

Even more people (50% of the respondents) say that they no longer need a traditional five-day week and they would be more productive in half the time.  

The findings suggest that while productivity may be rising, workplace culture has yet to fully catch up – with many employees saying results matter more than hours, but feeling unable to step away once their tasks are complete.

On average, employees feel that they can complete a “full day” of work in roughly five hours and 15 minutes – not the standard eight.

More than two-thirds of workers (68 per cent) say they now finish their work faster than they used to.

Just 11 per cent think hours worked is the best way to measure productivity. Instead, nearly a third (32 per cent) say output and results are the fairest way to judge performance.

Technology appears to be driving the shift.

AI has become the UK’s top productivity hack, with 44 per cent using tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Grammarly to speed up daily tasks.

While Gen Z are often described as ‘tech natives’, Millennials stand out as the most likely generation to be embracing AI at work.

Nearly half (49 per cent) say they use AI tools to streamline tasks – compared with 44 per cent of Gen Z.

On average, UK employees claim they save more than an hour each day thanks to shortcuts, automation and AI assistance – potentially clawing back five hours a week.

Yet despite these time savings, many say the extra efficiency does not translate into greater flexibility. Instead, some feel pressure to remain online or available, even when their core work is complete.

Multi-screen desks that reduce constant tab-switching, external keyboards and precision mice that allow faster navigation compared with fiddly trackpads are all said to make a noticeable difference.

This research comes as Logitech recently launched the MX Master 4 mouse, which, according to Logitech experts, ‘saves up to 33% of users time with actions ring shortcuts’ and enhanced customisation compared to a standard mouse– a feature that lets users quickly access customised commands and automate repetitive tasks with a single click.

Logitech – a global technology brand specialising in productivity-boosting hardware, including mice, keyboards and workplace peripherals commissioned the workplace research to  demonstrate the power of productivity tools in the workplace.

The data reveals it’s younger staff who appear to be making the biggest gains. In fact, a striking 83 per cent of Gen Z workers say they now finish their tasks faster than before, compared with 75 per cent of Millennials.

Where the generations really diverge is what happens next.

While 31 per cent of Millennials say they log off once their work is complete, just 17 per cent of Gen Z do the same.

Half of Gen Z (50 per cent) admit they feel pressure to stay online, compared with 45 per cent of Millennials.

The findings suggest Millennials may be combining high AI adoption with smarter use of productivity tools and technology – potentially explaining why they are emerging strongly on several productivity measures.

Despite fears of “quiet quitting”, only small minorities say they feel the need to look busy (seven per cent) or guilty (three per cent).

Hybrid working now dominates the UK landscape, with 47 per cent in hybrid roles, 12 per cent fully remote and 42 per cent fully office-based.

Interestingly, more workers say they are more productive in the office (24 per cent) than at home (21 per cent).

Yet a third (33 per cent) insist they perform best in a quiet, low-distraction environment – and 15 per cent report that offices can be distracting due to noise and interruptions.

The findings suggest productivity is less about location and more about control.

Over a third (35 per cent) prefer starting and finishing earlier, 33 per cent say they are most productive when they control their own hours and 26 per cent work better to task requirements rather than fixed shifts.

Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) say their current work schedule stops them spending more time with family.

Some 22 per cent miss out on exercise or hobbies, while 21 per cent say it prevents them travelling more.

With workers shaving hours off their daily to-do lists and redefining what a “full day” really looks like, the message to bosses is clear – productivity is no longer about bums on seats, but results on screens.

“What this research shows is that productivity today is less about working longer hours and more about working smarter.

“As more people use AI and digital tools to streamline tasks, the physical set-up they’re working with becomes just as important.” Said Rob Wells, Head of Northern Europe, Logitech.

“Simple things like a precision mouse, custom shortcuts or a multi-device workflow can remove small friction points that add up over the course of a day and have a real impact on productivity and wellbeing.

“Tools like the MX range are designed to help people navigate tasks more efficiently, whether that’s switching between applications, controlling multiple screens or automating repetitive commands, so they can focus on the work that really ma