Fatigue identified as growing workplace problem

More than half of Scottish workers claim tiredness negatively impacts on their productivity at work, new research has revealed.
Research has revealed that Scottish workers are finding fatigue at work to be an increasing problem.Research has revealed that Scottish workers are finding fatigue at work to be an increasing problem.
Research has revealed that Scottish workers are finding fatigue at work to be an increasing problem.

The study of 1,123 workers, by Willis Towers Watson (WTW) also found that more than a third of workers in Scotland are struggling to get a good night’s sleep because of their job.

Of those who struggled to nod off, 51 per cent cited difficulty in winding down after a stressful day at the office as the main reason for sleeplessness, while 47 per cent said it was due to early starts, 45 per cent claimed it was due to job worries and 34 per cent put it down to late-night working.

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The research closely follows the launch of the world’s largest sleep study, which made headlines last month after a recruitment drive for 100,000 volunteers. Scientists in Western University, Ontario, hope the study will help them to gain a better understanding of the effects of sleep deprivation on brain function.

Mike Blake, a director at Willis Towers Watson Health & Benefits, said: “The work environment is no longer confined to the office, with the stress of heavy workloads creeping into home life.

“While companies may benefit from a perceived ‘increase’ in productivity in the short-term, ongoing stress, coupled with lack of sleep, can risk having an overall negative impact on operational performance.

“And the launch of the worldwide sleep study is a clear indicator that fatigue will become a more prevalent and serious workplace issue that employers can ill afford to ignore.”

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Despite 65 per cent of workers saying tiredness has become a bigger workplace problem over the past five years, WTW’s research revealed that just 12 per cent of Scottish employers proactively educate their employees on the effect of sleep on general well-being.

Mr Blake said employee-focused health and wellbeing programmes can help companies address the growing issue of fatigue at work.

He added: “Employers who become more attuned to the needs of their workers outside the office are more likely to retain a happy and healthy employee base.

“Companies should aim to identify and tackle potential issues before they become a problem. Open dialogue is key to establishing a positive workplace culture that addresses and mitigates stress and fatigue.”

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