Fatigue at work has become more prevalent than ever. According to the State of the Future of Work report from the University of Melbourne, half of workers between the ages of 18 and 54 regularly feel exhausted at work. They feel less motivated and have difficulty concentrating at work, in part due to their responsibilities outside of work, though it impacts their work performance all the same.
Fatigue at work not only impacts productivity and morale, it can become a critical safety issue. In some cases, a fatigue risk management program may be vital for protecting the safety of your workers and your business as a whole.
What are the symptoms of fatigue?
Fatigue can affect our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and at times it can alter our behavioural tendencies. Below are some of the common symptoms of fatigue at work.
Physical/physiological symptoms
- Frequent, acute or chronic headaches due to the stress and tension that triggers them
- Muscle soreness, particularly in the neck, back, and shoulders, which usually hold tension
- Changes in appetite, whether it’s a loss of appetite or overeating
- Similarly, changes in sleep pattern–either insomnia or hypersomnia
- Getting sick more often than usual due to decreased immunity
- A persistent feeling of tiredness that doesn’t go away with regular rest
- Gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea
Mental/cognitive symptoms
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Inability to remember details
- Making more mistakes than usual
- Reduced decision-making ability
- Slow reaction times
- Reduced ability to solve problems
Emotional symptoms
- Increased irritability and short temper
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed
- Lack of interest or enthusiasm for work
- Feeling drained and emotionally depleted
- Having a sense that nothing is going well
- Feeling trapped in the current situation
Behavioural symptoms
- Avoiding social gatherings or interactions at work or outside of work
- Putting off tasks, even important ones
- Significant decrease in productivity
- Using substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with stress
- Increased absenteeism
The dangers of fatigue at work
Fatigue at work can make it difficult to complete work safely and effectively, which can have wide-ranging consequences depending on the nature of your workplace. When workers become perpetually fatigued, the impact can become even more significant.
Impaired judgment and decision-making
Fatigue can significantly reduce the ability to solve problems and make sound decisions. In workplaces where a moment’s indecision or a wrong decision could have severe consequences, fatigue can become a matter of life or death. This is a common issue in healthcare and transportation, or industries where heavy machinery is in use.
Reduced reaction time
Fatigue can also reduce your reaction time, which is dangerous in workplaces where safety relies on quick reflexes and keen situational awareness. In emergency services like firefighting, police work, and emergency medical services, every second is crucial to address emergencies effectively and save lives. A delayed response when reacting to an immediate threat can result in injury or worse.
Reduced coordination
Construction, manufacturing, and aviation are just a few industries where good motor coordination is vital. Each movement has to be calculated to ensure safety and the overall success of projects and tasks. When fatigued, workers may lose some of the precision required to perform their work safely and endanger themselves and others.
Memory and concentration issues
Memory and concentration issues are some of the most common symptoms of work fatigue, and they can have some of the most wide-reaching consequences. While we often think of the personal physical dangers that result from fatigue at work, a lapse in concentration can also damage your business. Overlooking security protocols, for example, can lead to data breaches.
What to do when you are fatigued at work
Sometimes a bit of fatigue is inevitable, no matter how well-rested you are in your life outside the workplace.
For occasional fatigue, it’s still important to keep in mind that fatigue at work is a safety issue. The best thing you can do is report it to your team or management and let them know that you need a break.
For more persistent fatigue, you may need more than a quick stretch and a snack. If you are frequently fatigued at work, there may be personal habits to consider. Some things you can try:
- Take regular breaks
- Eat nutritious snacks
- Stay hydrated
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Adjust your workspace
- Take a power nap
- Check in with your doctor to rule out health issues
You should alert your employer if you are having persistent fatigue and work so that you can come up with a course of action to keep you and everyone else at your workplace safe.
But, if fatigue at work is a chronic issue for you and your colleagues, your workplace will likely benefit from implementing a fatigue management plan.
How to implement a fatigue management plan for your employees
If you’re an employer considering a fatigue management plan for your workers, you have already taken an important first step. Acknowledging workplace fatigue is vital for protecting your workforce.
The human body was never designed to get up at dawn and then stay awake for hours after dusk. We evolved long before the invention of electric lighting to rest with the going down of the sun.
Today, besides staying up late, we often miss out on other important elements to induce proper rest, such as exercise and sufficient natural sunlight. Add to this the modern challenges of overly processed foods, caffeine addiction and late-night TV, and you have a recipe for exhaustion. This chronic lack of rest can have far-reaching adverse effects in the workplace.
The good news, though, is that those who do make positive changes to improve their rest habits have more energy, more concentration and a more positive outlook, increasing company morale and productivity overall.
Some ideas for addressing fatigue as part of an overall health program include:
- Educate your team on proper sleep hygiene. Workplace sleep consultations can emphasise the importance of regular routines, including properly winding down before bedtime, avoiding late-night stimulants such as coffee, food and television. They also discuss the benefits of regular physical activity and creating a quiet and dark sleeping environment.
- Encourage breaks during the day for workers. These breaks will help them to de-stress and clear their minds. Breaks incorporating natural sunlight and exercise, such as a lunchtime stroll, are especially effective for regulating sleep cycles.
- Organise a class to teach relaxation techniques. Depending on what your workers might enjoy, you can look into deep breathing, yoga and meditation sessions for your workplace. Workplace massage sessions are also quite popular.
- Encourage healthy eating habits. Providing nutritious snacks or meals is a great start, and make sure there’s easy access to water to keep workers hydrated. Nutrition seminars may also be helpful.
- Provide a quiet room. This is a peaceful space where staff can recharge for a few minutes when feeling frazzled. Those working long shifts often benefit from a short nap, so reclining armchairs can be a good investment.
- Be receptive. Implement a system for workers to report fatigue-related concerns and regularly review and analyse these reports to identify patterns or areas of concern.
This last point is worth emphasising: Keep open communication channels where workers can discuss their fatigue concerns without fear of repercussions. A comprehensive fatigue management program protects workers and your business and can improve overall mood, culture, and efficiency in the long term.
Manage fatigue at the workplace with Healthworks
Healthworks offers tailored health and wellness solutions for workplaces. We offer workplace health checks, mental health seminars, fitness challenges and more to improve the safety and well-being of your workers. Contact Healthworks today to speak with our team about how we can help.
