Since the onset of COVID-19, workplace fatigue has become an issue that is finally receiving some long-deserved recognition from employers.
Following the end of the pandemic, the rise of fatigue-related working conditions has left many feeling physically and mentally worn out.
The introduction of working from home produced great results. It kept people in employment, and employers finally embraced technology and instilled mutual trust between themselves and their employees. However, working from home runs the risk of enabling a ‘never switch off’ culture, with more and more employees finding that their working hours have overtaken their personal time.
Many employers and employees still struggle to identify workplace fatigue and can often overlook preventative measures to ensure they are offering support where needed. To be in a position to provide support in the workplace, the first step is to understand workplace fatigue.
What Is Workplace Fatigue?
Workplace Fatigue is defined as:
*‘Fatigue refers to the issues that arise from excessive working time or poorly designed shift patterns. It is generally considered to be a decline in mental and/or physical performance that results from prolonged exertion, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal clock’
*HSE Health & Safety Executive
Effects of Fatigue in the Workplace
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness or ‘nodding off’
- Weariness
- Reduced alertness, memory, or concentration issues
- Irritability
- Depression
- Low morale
- Frequent headaches
- Increased absences due to sickness and ill health
It is important, first and foremost, to understand that fatigue and tiredness are not the same. People who are dealing with fatigue may feel weak, lack motivation, have issues with memory or productivity, and have no interest in social situations. They may also develop depressive thoughts and ideologies.
People who suffer from excessive tiredness are likely to ‘nod off’ in different situations. These could include meetings, waiting rooms, mid-way through a day, or even at their desk.
It is also important for employers to understand that employee fatigue may be occurring at higher rates due to other factors that are outside of their control. It is therefore imperative that every employer has in place effective methods for managing workplace fatigue. This is not only for the benefit of employees, but also to curate a productive and profitable business model.
Our Top Tips for Fatigue Management in the Workplace
Employee Awareness and Training
Employees should be actively encouraged to maximise their personal time and ensure that it is used for just that. Personal time should not be ‘extra work time’.
It is crucial that employees understand how to spot fatigue in themselves and their colleagues. They should also be assured that identifying this issue will result in support from their employer as opposed to criticism or a lack of understanding.
Collaborative Working
For mentally demanding, physically strenuous, or monotonous, repetitive tasks – employees should ensure that there is a team in place to rotate such activities to prevent workplace fatigue.
Ensuring there is a team in place to rotate such tasks can ensure that employees are getting the necessary rest and can increase productivity.
Offer Flexible Working Hours
Employees can benefit greatly from flexible working hours. Flexible working hours allow employees to work during the times that best fit their work-life balance. This in turn can decrease the likelihood of workplace fatigue.
It enables employees to be more productive and efficient with their time by removing the requirement of long commutes and lengthy hours at the office.
Regular Breaks
Regular breaks taken by employees can aid in reducing fatigue and burnout by providing opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.
Workplace stress can be managed better, and employees can work more efficiently and productively with regular breaks due to the mental and physical benefits they provide. Employers should encourage employees to take regular breaks to promote a healthy and productive work setting.
Create a Fatigue Risk Management Plan
Having a Fatigue Risk Management Plan in place that educates on best practices for employee awareness, training, scheduling, and safety can reduce safety risks and increase productivity. Fatigue Risk Management Plans or systems can help to identify behavioural symptoms of fatigue. This includes reduced alertness, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, and impaired mood.
Employees should know and understand that there is a system in place and that they can receive support if they are suffering from fatigue.
There is a legal duty on employers to prioritise fatigue management in the workplace and ensure that there are steps in place to help identify and resolve any risks borne as a result of fatigue in the workplace. Contact our team to find out more.
