Did you know that approximately 20% of the global working population reports symptoms that fall under the heading of fatigue?
Fatigue at work is a change in the psycho-physiological control mechanism, when it does not respond adequately to the demands of the job, or responds with increased effort on physical and mental endurance
The impact of fatigue in the workplace
Fatigue can have various effects in the workplace, both for individuals and for organizations.
Here are some of the main impacts that fatigue can have:
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Reduced performance: fatigue can lead to a decrease in employees’ cognitive and physical performance.
They may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, remember information and carry out complex tasks efficiently. This can lead to errors at work and a general decrease in productivity. -
Increased risk of accidents: fatigue is associated with an increased risk of accidents in the workplace.
Drowsiness and decreased attention can lead to errors in judgment and slower reaction times, which can result in incidents and injuries.
This is especially worrying in hazardous work environments, such as industry or construction. -
Absences and sick leave: constant fatigue can lead employees to miss work more often or request sick leave.
Exhaustion can result in physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, depression and anxiety, which can require medical treatment and recovery time. -
Low motivation and morale: constantly fatigued employees can experience a reduction in motivation and enthusiasm for their work.
They can feel overwhelmed and dissatisfied, which can negatively affect the work environment, the team and the organizational culture. -
Compromised interpersonal relationships: can affect interactions between coworkers and effective communication.
Irritability, lack of patience and difficulty concentrating can lead to conflicts and tensions in the workplace.
What are the preventive measures?
It is important to bear in mind that it is not the work itself that is harmful, but the way it is organized.
Fatigue at work is related to working conditions and is reflected in the worker’s performance and also affects their health.
To mitigate the effects of fatigue in the workplace, it is important for organizations to promote a culture that values employee well-being.
This can include policies that encourage:
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Flexible working hours;
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Regular breaks;
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Sleep hygiene education;
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Support for dealing with stress.
In addition, employees should also adopt healthy practices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and establishing adequate sleep routines.
See our infographic here.
Read also: Facing and getting to know anxiety? 4 tips to help you
