SOUND ADVICE FOR A SOUND SLEEP
Employers need to be alert to problem that can tarnish morale, performance
Sleep is becoming an increasingly rare commodity for many of today’s workers, and business performance may be suffering as a result.
According to a new study by Accountemps, surveying more than 500 workers, nearly four in 10 professionals (39 per cent) say they often lose sleep over work. The major culprits are overwhelming workloads (46 per cent), business problems they simply can’t get out of their heads (46 per cent) and strained co-worker relationships (21 per cent).
The fallout from this is more than the health risks that go hand in hand with exhaustion. Lack of sleep can be equally damaging to workplace morale. It can lead to increased errors on the job, absenteeism, disruptive behaviour with co-workers and project teams, decreased productivity and substandard quality of work.
It can also turn co-workers against each other. “When relationships become strained and work is not getting done, co-workers will begin to resent the person suffering from stress because it can increase their workload,” says Janet Candido, a Toronto-based HR expert and principal, Candido Consulting Group. “Lower morale and poorer performance can end up costing the company money.”
Adding to the problem is the fact that mobile technology is placing higher expectations on people’s availability. “There is an increased demand from organizations for individuals to always be connected,” says Mike Shekhtman, regional vice-president for Robert Half, an HR consulting firm, in Vancouver. “That makes it challenging for many professionals to leave their problems at work. Yet blurring work and personal time causes a high impact on stress levels.”
Business leaders, for their part, need to be aware of employees’ signs of stress so they can act accordingly, Candido notes. These include excessive tiredness and moodiness, showing up late or not at all, a lack of interest in their work and/or co-workers, or a reduction in the amount of work generated. There may also be a notable decrease in interest in their physical appearance, indicated by weight gain/loss, poor hygiene or dressing poorly. “These could all be signs of excessive stress or lack of sleep.”
There are a number of ways employers can help their staff — and themselves — improve their odds of sleeping better at night.
If an employee shows signs of feeling overwhelmed and stressed, talk to them about possible options, such as adjusting deadlines, bringing in extra help or sharing their workload with others.
Provide collaborative tools and resources that will help workers be more effective and keep business goals on track.
Educate employees on the impact of sleep deprivation on their work and health.
Encourage workers to take advantage of self-management webinars, or offer stress-relieving perks such as a yoga membership or meditation classes.
Lead by example. Join with employees in health and wellness seminars and group activities. “Employees take their cues from the leadership team,” Candido says. “If the leadership team demonstrates respect for a reasonable work/ life balance, employees will feel they can do so as well. If the leadership team are hard drivers, employees will behave accordingly. If the leadership team come to work despite being sick and/or constantly work late, employees will feel they have to as well.”
Allow time for exercise or personal breaks. A bit of fresh air and sunshine in the middle of the day can help restore balance.
Encourage staff to leave on time and to not email after hours.
Establish a comprehensive wellness program that covers everything from health and nutrition to exercise and stress-management techniques. “It offers an easy way for employees to participate without making it appear they are weak,” Candido notes.
Provide private spaces within your environment where workers can rest or refocus, or even take a 15-minute power nap.
Encourage employees to use employee assistance programs as part of a wellness program. “These are barely used, but they are confidential and provide a myriad resources,” she says.
Where insomnia seems to be a constant struggle, have the employee see a doctor or consult with a sleep clinic to determine if there are any underlying problems.
Ultimately, the issue is less about stress management and more about culture, Candido says. “Trying to manage stress without addressing the culture that gives rise to the stress is a temporary solution at best. If the organization has a culture of expecting their employees to work excessive hours, they will do so. In this environment, employees will be afraid of being seen as weak, not hard workers or worse, of losing their jobs.”