How Fatigue Impacts the Workplace and Ways to Prevent It
Is fatigue impacting your employees’ performance? Fatigue is an intense and persistent exhaustion that is not alleviated by rest. According to the National Safety Council, 13% of workplace injuries can be attributed to fatigue. Higher-risk industries include those with drivers, shift workers, health care, and industries whose workers have long work hours, overtime, or harsh environmental conditions. Keep reading to discover how fatigue affects the workplace and strategies you can implement to prevent it.
Fatigue Workplace Impact
Physical, mental, and emotional fatigue are prevalent in the workplace and can impact an employee’s ability to do their day-to-day tasks. The National Safety Council estimates that fatigue is estimated to cost employers about $136 billion a year in health-related lost productivity. Workers who experience fatigue often demonstrate increased incidents due to impaired reaction times and judgment, reduced productivity, higher error rates resulting in poor decision-making and mistakes, and diminished employee heath due to cardiovascular problems, depression, and immune system deficiencies.
Fatigue Prevention
Implement Regular Breaks: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent fatigue is by integrating regular breaks into the workday. Scheduling time for rest and recharge, especially after periods of intense mental or physical activity, is crucial. Encouraging the use of vacation time also plays a significant role in burnout prevention, allowing employees to return refreshed and more productive.
Manage Workloads: Balancing workloads is critical to avoid employee overload. Setting realistic goals and distributing tasks evenly ensures that no one becomes overwhelmed. Regularly reviewing workloads can help identify and adjust imbalances, promoting a manageable workload for all employees.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can assist employees in managing their personal and professional lives. It is important to support employees in setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, leading to improved mental health and reduced stress.
Foster a Healthy Work Environment: A supportive and safe workplace prevents fatigue. Ensuring that workstations are ergonomically designed can reduce physical strain. Additionally, implementing and enforcing protocols to prevent physical and mental stress related to unsafe conditions helps maintain a healthier work environment.
Support Mental Health: Access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or employee assistance programs, is vital to prevent emotional worker fatigue. Training on stress management techniques, including relaxation and mindfulness, equips employees with the tools to manage stress effectively.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Promoting a healthy lifestyle among employees can significantly reduce fatigue. Encourage healthy eating, proper hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep—adults need 7-8 hours per night. These habits are foundational to maintaining energy levels and overall health.
Train and Educate: Education on how to address fatigue early and implement effective management strategies can empower individuals to take control of their well-being and promote a healthy workplace.
Foster a Supportive Culture: Encouraging teamwork and peer support creates a sense of community, helping workers manage responsibilities and stress together.
Addressing workplace fatigue is not just about enhancing productivity—it's about the well-being of your employees. By implementing strategies to prevent fatigue, such as regular breaks, manageable workloads, training, and fostering a healthy work environment, you are investing in the health and happiness of your team. For more jobsite safety tips, contact your BITCO Risk Control Consultant. Click the button below to find a local agent near you.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.
Resources: CDC, NSC, NSC Employer Cost Calculator, OSHA, National Sleep Foundation
