The Great Monday Debate

The argument is brewing about the best day or days to spend in the office. That is, if we have to go, what is the optimal day for productivity. A lot of bosses are pushing for Mondays. They say that’s the best day for staff meetings and for planning for the week. Lots of others who aren’t the boss say, “No way!”. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days for schlepping to the office the Monday naysayers contend. In all cases, don’t touch Friday.

Poor Monday, a day with a sad history. Think of a happy song written about Monday. You can’t. If you have to return to the office for a day, I vote for Monday. Here’s why:

• We are trained to suffer the Sunday Blues*. The blues start in kindergarten and continue through life’s journey. Since we have the blues anyway, may as well show up.
• Three day weekends that end on Monday are not as much fun as three day weekends that start on Friday
• Monday is a good planning day. We can plan for just enough action to get us through Thursday. It’s a good day for re-setting expectations.
• If we get the office time over on Monday - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday can be very productive.
• Monday is a recovery day from the weekend. What better place to do that than the office where there is a Starbucks nearby.
• When it comes to showing up, Monday is way better than Friday.

* Psychology research tells us that the Sunday Blues are a real thing that cause depression and anxiety.