What to do about absenteeism from work due to sleep problems?

Sleep problems are an invisible but major problem in the workplace. Employees who structurally sleep poorly, perform less well, have a shorter fuse and report sick more often. This not only costs organizations money, but also endangers productivity and safety.

But how can you as an employer or HR employee tackle this problem? In this blog we will delve deeper into the impact of sleep deprivation on absenteeism and discuss effective solutions.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation in the Workplace

Sleep deprivation has far-reaching consequences for both employees and employers. In addition to physical and mental complaints, insufficient sleep leads to:

• Reduced alertness – Employees are less able to concentrate and are more likely to make mistakes. This can pose major risks, especially in industries with strict safety protocols.
• Reduced problem-solving skills – Sleep deprivation makes it harder to respond effectively to unexpected situations, reducing productivity and efficiency.
• Reduced creativity – Employees who sleep poorly are more likely to fall back on standard solutions instead of coming up with innovative ideas.
• Less job satisfaction – Lack of energy and motivation causes employees to be less enthusiastic and avoid social interactions.
• Irritability and conflict – A shorter fuse can lead to frustration, collaboration problems and a negative working atmosphere.
• Increase in absenteeism due to illness – Employees who consistently sleep poorly report sick more often and often remain out of action for longer.

Figures on absenteeism and sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a widespread problem among employees. The numbers show how big the impact is:

• 48 percent of employees wake up tired.
• 41 percent rate their sleep quality as inadequate.
  
• 28 percent have difficulty falling asleep.
  
• 86 percent of employees who are absent due to psychological complaints also suffer from sleep problems.

Employees who report that they sleep poorly when they report sick are absent for longer periods on average than employees without sleep problems.

The top three causes of employee sleep problems

Sleep problems can be caused by several factors, but these three play the biggest role:

1. Irregular service hours
   Employees with rotating shifts have difficulty maintaining a stable sleep pattern. This disrupts the biological clock and leads to sleep problems.

2. Bad sleeping habits
   Too much screen time before bed, caffeine consumption in the afternoon, and a restless sleep environment can contribute to poor sleep.

3. High workload and stress
   Work stress is a major culprit. Employees who are constantly under pressure often worry in bed and have difficulty falling asleep.

What can you do as an employer to prevent absenteeism due to sleep problems?

1. Create awareness

Many employees underestimate the importance of sleep. By making sleep health a topic of discussion within the organization, you take the first step towards change. This can be done, for example, through internal communication, workshops or training.

2. Offer flexible work schedules

For employees with irregular shifts, a better roster policy can help. For example, ensure sufficient rest between late and early shifts and encourage fixed sleep patterns.

3. Create a sleep-friendly work environment

Encourage healthy sleep habits by providingergonomic workstations , relaxation areas and possibly power nap options. This can be especially helpful in professions with high mental or physical demands.

4. Offer sleep workshops: Sucsleep as a solution

One of the most effective ways to structurally tackle sleep problems is through specialized sleep training. This is what Sucsleep does, for example, it helps companies by means of the following:

• Practical sleep workshops where employees learn how to improve their sleep and which habits they need to adjust.
• Tailor-made support for employees with serious sleep problems. Within three months they achieve measurable results and feel more rested.
• Sustainable solutions that contribute to less absenteeism and higher productivity.

Investing in sleep is investing in your business

Sleep deprivation in the workplace has major consequences: reduced productivity, more mistakes, a worse working atmosphere and higher absenteeism. Fortunately, employers and HR employees can take action. Awareness, better schedules and a healthy working environment help, but the most effective approach is to use sleep workshops and guidance, such as those of Sucsleep.

Want to reduce absenteeism due to sleep problems in your organization? Discover how Sucsleep can help and take the first step toward a more rested and productive team today.

Is sleep discussed in your organization? How do you deal with employees who sleep poorly? Let us know in the comments.