Want to Boost Your Performance at Work? Try a Cup of Coffee

Coffee and work go together like eggs and bacon. The effects of coffee on workplace performance have been well documented. Much of the research on this topic has involved the mental processes that underlie our ability to perform a variety of tasks. The caffeine in coffee is known to increase alertness and reduce fatigue. This is especially true in "low arousal" situations such as when working at night. Caffeine in coffee also improves performance in a variety of tasks that require a sustained attention span and response. These effects are the most obvious when a person's alertness is reduced, although there is some evidence to suggest that alertness will also increase when the person is unimpaired.

We have already documented in these pages that regular caffeine consumption is beneficial on an ongoing basis. Although those that consume more caffeine do not have better mental functioning, they are more alert at performing normal functioning activities. This fact does not appear to alter over time. When it comes to the performance of physical activities, the benefits are less clear. Caffeine consumption does however assist physical endurance, an important consideration when working long hours.

According to a web site entitled Positively Coffee, a study conducted by Psychology Professor Andrew Smith of the University of Bristol suggests that the effects of caffeine consumption changes through the course of the day. The study in question consisted of four separate situations. In the free-living situation, participants were permitted to follow their usual routine. The second and third situations consisted of the free choice of either caffeinated or decaffeinated beverages, including tea and cola. Consumption of caffeine in the fourth situation was limited to one cup of coffee at 10:30 A.M., one cup of tea in the afternoon at 3:30, and one glass of cola in the evening at 8:30. The mood of all participants was assessed at regular times during the course of the day. Results showed that consumption was greatest in the morning and that the pattern of consumption was similar for all concerned.

When it came to the participants' level of alertness, the study showed that the greatest decline was among those who consumed only decaffeinated coffee over the day. Results also showed that drinking caffeinated coffee led to positive effects in terms of alertness and performance. The implications for workplace performance are therefore clear.

The benefits of coffee and caffeine in the workplace will be discussed further in a later blog.