How often do we sacrifice sleep in the pursuit of productivity? While we may think we’re doing ourselves a favour by powering through a shift on four hours sleep, the truth is that our health is suffering and so is the quality of our output. At MOHS Workplace Health, we’re on a mission to improve the health of workers and create safer workplaces across the West Midlands. Read on to find out about the transformative benefits of high-quality sleep.
Sleep deprivation in the workplace
Did you know that 71 per cent of adults in the UK fail to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night? There are many reasons for why we’re failing to get enough sleep but some of the key issues are stress, using smart devices at night and challenging work schedules. Employees who are sleep-deprived often experience decreased cognitive function and alertness, which can impair decision making and increase the risk of workplace accidents. Less sleep can also have a toll on mental health, further exasperating sleep problems.
How sleep impacts organisations
High quality sleep can help regulate workers’ emotions, reduce stress and improve overall mood. When employees get enough sleep, their cognitive function improves. Adequate rest has also been found to bolster the immune system, thereby reducing the frequency of sick days and diminishing absenteeism rates. Notably, from a business perspective, investing in initiatives to promote better sleep habits among employees is proving to be a wise strategy. Companies that prioritise sleep hygiene witness notable improvements in productivity and performance.
Tips for employers
So what can employers do to help their employees get a better night’s sleep?
- Encourage a healthy work-life balance and set realistic expectations: implement reasonable work hours and encourage employees to take breaks during the day to rest and recharge. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent work-related stress from encroaching on sleep time.
- Promote regular exercise and a balanced diet for better sleep: encourage employees to engage in physical activity and maintain a healthy diet, as these factors play a crucial role in facilitating good sleep. Provide resources on exercise routines and healthy eating habits to support employees’ overall well-being.
- Offer resources for stress management and relaxation techniques: give employees access to stress management programs and relaxation classes such as yoga or mindfulness meditation. Encourage the use of annual leave to help employees rejuvenate themselves and reduce stress levels.
- Arrange flexible work schedules to accommodate different sleep patterns: recognise that employees may have different sleep requirements and offer flexible work schedules that allow them to align their work hours with their natural sleep patterns whenever possible. This can contribute to better sleep quality and overall productivity.
Final thoughts
Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a fundamental component of good health and well-being. By encouraging healthy sleep habits, employers can foster a culture of wellness and productivity in the workplace. As an occupational health company, we are committed to helping organisations promote sleep and support employees in achieving optimal health and performance. Together, let’s unlock the power of sleep and create happier, healthier workplaces for all.
For more information and assistance in developing sleep-friendly workplaces, feel free to reach out to our team at info@mohs.co.uk or give us a call on 0121 601 4041.