Employee Wellbeing

Looking after the wellbeing of your employees is important for a healthy and happy workforce.

Yet, it is estimated that 40% of the population suffer with sleep issues and many do not get the support that they need. Poor sleep impacts significantly on day to day life and has a major impact on absenteeism and presenteeism. It can also have a seriously damaging effect on mental and physical health but also on job retention and performance.

A worker sleeping less than six hours loses around six working days due to absenteeism or presenteeism per year more than a worker sleeping seven to nine hours.

A worker sleeping six to seven hours loses on average about 3.7 working days more per year than a worker sleeping seven to nine hours.

Sleep deprivation is more prevalent in certain industry sectors but as it increases generally and ultimately affects work, it’s important that organisations consider sleep issues as part of their staff’s mental and physical wellbeing and find ways to help ensure their employees are well rested.

Sleep also needs to be recognised as a vital component of mental health. Links between sleep and depression are strong. Approximately three quarters of depressed patients have insomnia symptoms. Getting quality sleep means we are recharged and ready to face what life may throw at us. We know that coping with feelings of stress and anxiety can be much more difficult when you’re tired from disturbed sleep.

To address these issues, employers should prioritise promoting healthy sleep habits among employees through education, providing resources for stress management and relaxation techniques, offering flexible work arrangements where possible, and fostering a supportive work environment that values employee wellbeing.

Additionally, implementing policies to regulate work hours, limit overtime, and encourage breaks can help mitigate the negative effects of sleep deprivation on workplace performance and safety.