Dive Brief:

• According to a new survey from Accountemps, a meaningful number of employees will be shifting into a higher productivity mode over the holiday season. 
• The survey, which included responses from more than 1,000 U.S. workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments, found that 32% of workers polled said they become more productive the week before a major holiday. But before getting too excited, 22% of professionals reported that their output wanes.
• Where do the other 47% fit in? They say the pre-holiday period makes little difference to them. They stay on an even keel.

Dive Insight:

"The holidays are a hectic time for many professionals, and people react differently under pressure," said Bill Driscoll, a district president for Accountemps. "For some, upcoming holidays spur them to move faster and more efficiently, while others are slowed down by the feeling of being pulled in many directions."

Driscoll noted that reduced year-end productivity can pose challenges for many businesses. "Companies are trying to close the books on the quarter, staff up for the coming year and use up remaining budget as the holidays approach," he said. "Many firms can benefit from bringing in temporary professionals to augment their staff. This enables core team members to take time off freely while keeping business on track."

It should be noted that Accountemps provides temporary professionals. But it is a logical idea for HR if the business can manage it properly.