While the old proverb says "the early bird catches the worm," it seems Italians take this to heart more than anyone else. According to a global study by Herrmann International surveying over 1.5 million workers, peak productivity times vary greatly depending on age, profession, and culture.
Italy ranks first globally for morning productivity, with 52% of respondents stating they perform best during the early hours, followed closely by Denmark and Sweden. On the other end of the spectrum, Singaporeans peak in the evening, while workers in the Philippines and Brazil hit their stride in the afternoon. The study also notes that night owls are more common among entry-level employees and those in creative or service sectors (such as art, education, and writing). Conversely, executives overwhelmingly prefer the morning. Despite these differences, early birds remain the global majority, outnumbering night owls two to one.