Even if employees have spent eight hours in bed, they can still wake up feeling tired and fuzzy. This can significantly affect work performance. Time in bed is not always an indicator of good sleep; the quality of sleep is equally important. Fragmented sleep and other disturbances can have serious consequences for employee productivity and well-being.
Sources of non-restorative sleep include stress, sleep apnea, and mental health issues. Understanding how these factors affect the workplace is essential for leaders who want to improve the work environment.
Sleep Can Be Fragmented by Stress and Illness
Sleep apnea, which causes repeated breathing stops during sleep, can lead to increased fatigue and decreased functionality at work. Other causes may include insomnia, anxiety, or depression, all of which can be related to work stress. This can result in higher absenteeism and lower productivity.
Deep Sleep is Important for Repair, but Not the Only Solution
Sleep consists of several stages, each with its unique function, including tissue repair and energy recovery. Stress can disrupt sleep patterns and thus weaken employee performance. Leaders need to understand that an employee's morning fatigue is not necessarily a result of insufficient sleep but may be a symptom of underlying issues such as stress.
Gather Information to Identify Challenges
Companies can encourage employees to keep a sleep diary for two weeks to map bedtime, awakenings, and any disturbances. This can provide valuable insights into how sleep quality affects work performance. Identifying symptoms such as fatigue vs. sleepiness can also aid in assessing employee well-being.
By utilizing the StoppStress program, companies can help employees manage stress and improve sleep quality through memory reconsolidation. This digital program offers employees tools to understand and manage stress, which can lead to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
How to Implement the StoppStress Program
StoppStress is an 8-week digital stress management program that uses memory reconsolidation to help employees cope with stress. Through the Harmoni app, each employee receives personalized AI guidance. The program is documented to reduce stress-related absenteeism, which can provide a significant return on investment for the company.
For leaders looking to improve the work environment and reduce absenteeism, StoppStress is an effective tool. By taking the initiative to implement this program, companies can achieve a more productive and engaged workforce.
🏢
Do You Want to Reduce Absenteeism in Your Company?
The StoppStress program uses memory reconsolidation to provide employees with lasting tools against stress. Read more at stoppstress.no →