Our new research has revealed that almost two-thirds (66%) of UK workers claim tiredness negatively impacts on their productivity at work.
And there is a clear correlation between fatigue and workplace stress.
More than a third (36%) of those surveyed said they were struggling to get a good night’s sleep because of their job; 55% putting it down to difficulty in winding down after a stressful day at the office, 45% citing job worries, 41% saying early starts tire them out and 35% can’t nod off because of late-night working.
But despite 65% of workers saying tiredness has become a bigger workplace problem over the past five years, just 17% of employers proactively educate their employees on the effect of sleep on general wellbeing.
This lack of awareness or action could trap workers in a never-ending cycle of fatigue and act as a catalyst for long-term sickness absence and resignation.
How can you combat fatigue in your business?
Create open dialogue
Advances in technology have blurred the lines of the traditional working day and tipped the work-life balance.
Look to re-establish boundaries, and be clear with workers about what is expected of them and emphasise the importance of sufficient sleep and general wellbeing.
This open dialogue will help workers feel more comfortable approaching managers about fatigue and agreeing solutions, such as meditative practices, review of workloads or flexible working hours.
Lead by example
Be conscious that, as a manager/leader you are a role model in the workplace. Although the virtual workplace means you can connect with their employees 24/7, it doesn’t mean you should.
Emailing or setting tasks outside work hours, without respite, can fuel employee burnout so manage your own expectations and this will filter down to employees.
Look for patterns
Aim to identify and tackle potential issues before they become a problem. This can be achieved through effective communication and reporting structures.
Data will allow your managers to identify dips in productivity and tackle the root causes before more serious issues arise, such as absenteeism and presenteeism.