It’s no great secret that a vast majority of Americans in the workforce feel tired when they are at work. Some these same workers would fall under what physicians and other medical professionals describe as sleep deprived. According to a recent article by Alexis Carpello that appeared on Workforce.com.
In a recent study conducted by the National Safety Council showed that 43 percent of American workers are not getting enough sleep each night. While 76% of workers feel tired at times when they are at work. This data comes as a shock to business leaders.
Sleep is important for overall good health and longevity. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone who is 18 to 60 years old get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
According to Emil Whitcomb, senior program manager for the fatigue initiative with the National Safety Council, while both fatigue and loss of sleep have been always been a problem for workers, business leaders are starting to come to grips with the problem. “I really feel like in the past 10 years employers are starting to realize that their employees happen to be less productive, don’t make as good of decisions [and] make mistakes,” Whitcomb said.
Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council recently said in a press release that, ““This research reinforces that sleepless nights hurt everyone.”
Tiredness and fatigue at work can also have a detrimental effect on a business’ bottom line. Millions of dollars are lost each year. According to one workforce expert, a single employee who regularly does not get enough sleep at night can cost their employer over $3,000 in health care costs annually. In addition, workers who are sleep deprived and tired are more likely to have an accident or to make costly mistakes or hurt themselves or others while on the job.
Employers who understand the seriousness of the problem are making more of an effort to provide screening and sleep wellness programs for their workers. These types of workplace health initiatives cost little to no money for the business and yet can save the organization significantly in lost revenue. Even more than the savings to the business, organizations that have utilized such programs have found that when their workers are better rested and get enough sleep, they are more productive during the workday, are less prone to have accidents on the job and are less likely to miss a day of work.
In spite of all of our modern conveniences, many workers just don’t know when to switch off for the day and get rest. Some workers feel overwhelmed with their current workload, only to find that staying up late to finish tasks well after the official workday ends simply doesn’t help.
Employers are beginning to realize that healthy, well-rested workers are happier and far more productive. Wellness programs can go a long way to help. Contact us today to discuss your company’s current needs and goals. We are here to all of your questions and outline how we can help. Call to schedule a free assessment today. Let NetPEO help you with all of your employee needs.