July 3 could rank as one of year's least productive days

Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year which means July 3 could rank right up there with Christmas Eve day and New Year’s Eve day as the least productive workdays of the year, according to John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

"Workers around the country will try to get a four-day weekend out of it by taking off Monday," Challenger said. "Those who were not quick enough to request the day off may be less productive that day, seeing it as a day to 'take it easy.' "

Since many customers and suppliers will be closed, Challenger suggests that employers outside of retail may want to consider simply suspending operations until Wednesday. The extra day off would not only be a major boost for morale and employee energy, but the cost of opening the doors on Monday may be greater than if companies remained closed.