Sleep depravation is preventing productivity

A lack of sleep is preventing employees from being more productive in the workplace, according to new research.

A study carried out by Sealy UK found that 70 per cent of workers would be more productive if they had more sleep, while one in 25 have admitted to falling asleep at work.

11 per cent have even had an accident on work premises due to not getting enough sleep.

Sealy’s study was part of an awareness campaign based on its recent Worldwide Sleep Census of 5,000 people, where it discovered that a lack of sleep is regularly causing issues in the workplace.

65 per cent admitted to losing their temper, 30 per cent said they suffer a lack of productivity, while 19 per cent of workers say they are often late to work.

Kate Russell, MD of Russell HR Consulting, is working with Sealy to produce a guide for managers to better support staff with sleep deprivation. She said: “Tiredness poses a severe challenge to our ability to function well, yet it is frequently the root cause of decreased productivity, accidents and mistakes, which cost companies billions of pounds each year.

“Businesses have a critical responsibility to take sleeplessness seriously. If you want to raise performance – both your own and your organisation’s – you need to pay attention to this important issue. Ensuring that staff are well-rested is quite simply a smart business strategy.”

The research also found that the hospitality sector was suffering the most when it comes to sleep deprivation, while the transport and communication sector was the lowest, at 86 and 76 per cent, respectively.