What are the symptoms of being tired at work?
Work fatigue increases the frequency of accidents, injuries and absences and reduces focus, concentration and productivity. But there’s more to feeling tired than just the mid-afternoon yawns that follow a carb-heavy lunch. Here are some signs and symptoms your tired workers may be exhibiting:
- poor judgement
- slowed reaction time
- reduced decision-making capabilities
- inability to retain information
- indecisiveness
- loss of awareness
- weariness
- irritability
- reduced alertness, concentration and vigilance
- lack of productivity
- depression
- boredom
- lack of motivation
- increased mistakes
- physical ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, loss of appetite and frequent colds or flu due to a low immune system
What causes fatigue?
Regarding health and safety, fatigue refers to the physical or mental exhaustion that reduces an employee’s ability to perform work effectively and safely. The most common causes of fatigue can happen because of the workplace or something in your employees’ personal lives:
- sleep loss or disrupted sleep
- long commutes to and from work
- strenuous activity
- travel
- stress
- organizational change
- prolonged or intense physical or mental activity
- irregular work schedules or excessively long shifts
- working in extremely cold or hot environments
- mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression
What can employers do to reduce work exhaustion?
While you can’t control the things that increase fatigue after hours, you can enhance your work environment to reduce the symptoms of feeling tired and exhausted. Here are some ways you can help your employees feel less tired at work:
1. Encourage break times
Working long hours can negatively affect your employees, especially if they’re not taking advantage of their break times. Working for long periods without taking a break in between can decrease focus and performance. Encouraging multiple breaks throughout the day rather than allotting a more extended lunch can be highly beneficial.
Here’s how you can promote break times:
- one 15-minute break for the first two hours of work
- half-hour lunch after the second two hours of work
- another 15-minute break after the third two hours of work
2. Improve workplace lighting
Insufficient lighting may increase symptoms of exhaustion. However, having the proper lighting in your workplace can reduce drowsiness and boost productivity.
3. Educate your employees on good sleep hygiene
The primary cause of fatigue is typically not getting enough or inadequate sleep. Here are some preventative measures that can be worth mentioning:
- Electronic devices emit blue light, which may disrupt sleep quality. Reduce exposure to devices such as cellphones and laptops at least one hour before bedtime.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants at least four hours before bedtime.
- Eating before rest can cause indigestion and affect sleep. Try not to eat anything too late in the evening.
- Follow a regular sleep routine to get the most hours and the highest quality of sleep.
4. Cut longer shifts into multiple shifts
Employees working long hours may have a higher risk of chronic fatigue and other health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and mental health disorders. Restrict shifts to eight hours and allow plenty of time for rest in between shifts.
7. Promote a healthy work-life balance
Your employees may be exhausted from trying to find the right balance between work and personal life. Talk with them about the source of their fatigue. If it stems from work, consider offering them a reduced, hybrid or flexible work schedule.
Workplace fatigue may impair health, safety and productivity. You may combat it by suggesting regular breaks, improving lighting, educating on sleep hygiene, limiting shifts to 8 hours and promoting work-life balance for a healthier, more productive workforce.
