If you have been working for quite some time, you would know what workplace fatigue feels like. At some point during our workday, we all experience tiredness to a point where all we need is a comfy blanket and a pillow to get some quick eyes shut.
For some people, this happens almost every day whether they are working at the office or remotely. And it's also possible to experience fatigue even within the first hour of work.
Fatigue is not just about being drowsy or tired. Instead, it is a condition that involves depicts several symptoms of tiredness even after sleep. Some of the symptoms of fatigue include short-term memory problems, slow reflexes, and reduced hand-eye coordination. Some of the other signs include blurred vision, an inability to concentrate, and impaired visual perception.
Workplace fatigue not only hampers an employee's productivity at work but also significantly increases the risk of accidents that may occur at and outside the workplace.
Fortunately, the causes of workplace fatigue are preventable, however, to reduce or eliminate the risk of workplace fatigue. it's important to be aware of one's level of fatigue, and just as important to know the causes of workplace fatigue.
Once you figure out what causes workplace fatigue and how it resonates, you can try incorporating the following tips and feel more energized while working.
Let's get started with identifying the common causes of workplace fatigue and understanding its symptoms before we delve into the tips that you can try out to avoid workplace fatigue.
What Are Common Workplace Fatigue Causes?
Workplace fatigue can be a result of several factors that can be found inside and outside of the workplace.
Unfortunately, workplace fatigue is an extremely common workplace condition affecting employees around the world and in the U.S. The condition is particularly common among night shift employees and workers who have irregular work schedules.
Over time, if left unattended, workplace fatigue can turn into a chronic condition that can take a toll on employees' physical, mental, and emotional health and lead to serious consequences.
While admitting to workplace fatigue can be a challenge for many employees, often due to competitive work culture, however, it is a serious safety topic that organizations need to identify and address.
Employers and employees need to take measures to identify some of the common causes of workplace fatigue which can include the following.
Fast-paced organizational culture,
Physically or mentally demanding job,
Repetitive and monotonous work,
Irregular working schedules or working during night shifts for more than a month,
A longer than average workweek (more than 50 hours per week),
Long commute hours to and from the workplace,
Little or no break,
Noisy, poorly lit, or stressful work environment,
Uncomfortable workplace setting that contributes to poor posture and other associated problems,
Poor sleep hygiene,
Stress outside the workplace and
Unaddressed personal health issues.
How Workplace Fatigue Resonates Itself?
An employee can experience workplace fatigue at any point during their tenure however, it's not always easy to figure out how workplace fatigue resonates itself.
Often workplace fatigue may go unnoticed until the employee experiences significant health issues or burnout. Therefore, it's critical to figure out the signs of workplace fatigue early so organizations can retain valuable employees without compromising their overall health and well-being.
The symptoms of workplace fatigue can range from mild to severe and employees may experience them occasionally to more chronically depending upon the severity.
Some of the common symptoms of workplace fatigue include
Decreased alertness at work,
Slower reaction time,
Irritability,
Impaired vision and memory,
Impaired decision-making ability at work and beyond,
Loss of appetite,
Loss of motivation and drive,
Increased feeling of isolation at work and outside,
Falling asleep at work and
Depression
4 Tips to Avoid Workplace Fatigue
While workplace fatigue is a serious organizational concern and can have severe repercussions on the employee's quality of life and the organization, there's a positive aspect to it as well.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid workplace fatigue and it is relatively easier for the organization and individual to take these measures and incorporate these tips to avoid workplace fatigue.
Some of the tips that can help you avoid workplace fatigue include the following.
#1. Encourage Short and Frequent Breaks
One of the best ways to avoid workplace fatigue is to give enough room to the employees so they can incorporate short, frequent breaks.
Short breaks at work allow employees to get the rest they need and recharge themselves for more challenging tasks of the day. Moreover, incorporating breaks into your everyday schedule allows you to lower stress levels while working, improve memory and boost creativity and performance.
To encourage that employees to take regular breaks at work, organizations need to ensure that they provide a safe and comfortable environment where employees can take a break. One of the examples includes a break room that includes a comfortable sitting space, a few indoor games, and plants that can help employees recharge for the next task.
#2. Stay Hydrated
It might come as a surprise to many of you but staying hydrated is one of the ways to fight workplace fatigue. Water is essential for all for all integral body functions and aids in maintaining good health. Moreover, it helps improve the quality of your sleep, mood, and cognition. Getting enough water throughout the day also aids in improving your productivity.
Therefore, to avoid workplace fatigue, it's important that you frequently take a few sips of water throughout the day and help fight workplace fatigue.
#3. Focus on Improving Your Sleep Hygiene
While getting a good night's sleep is beyond the scope of the workplace, it's one of the most significant factors that contribute to workplace fatigue.
If you want to fight off workplace fatigue, it's important that you maintain good sleep hygiene. Some of the tips that will help you improve your sleep pattern include the following.
Set Your Sleep Schedule
To get started with improving your sleep hygiene, you need to ensure that you set your sleep schedule. Make sure you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Even on days when you don’t have to get up for work, you should still wake up at the same time as it helps you set a rhythm for consistent sleep.
Follow a Night-time Routine
A good nighttime routine can be a prerequisite to a good night's sleep. Make sure you prepare your room and bed before you want to sleep. Moreover, it's critical that you set a comfortable room environment and are comfortably dressed for the right. Furthermore, an essential aspect of night time routine is to unplug from all digital devices at least 30 minutes before you intend to fall asleep. Ideally, your bedroom should be a no-go area for all your digital gadgets as the blue lights from digital screens can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Lastly, as you get to your bed to actually fall asleep, try out some relaxation techniques including mindful breathing that will help your mind and body relax so you can fall asleep easily.
Get Some Activity During the Day
While you're working on improving your sleep hygiene, don't forget that any physical activity during the day can drastically improve your sleeping pattern and your overall health and well-being. So make sure you get some physical activity every day (or on most days of the week) as it can positively contribute to improving your sleep cycle and help you combat workplace fatigue.
#4. Invest in Appropriate Office Equipment
Having incorrect office equipment that doesn't support the natural body alignment is one of the significant causes of workplace fatigue. It is therefore critical that organizations take measures to invest in appropriate office equipment. The use of ergonomic office equipment allows employees to maintain a neutral body posture that helps fight workplace fatigue.
FlexiSpot is an industry leader providing ergonomic workplace solutions to organizations so their employees can fight workplace fatigue and live healthier life. It offers a range of ergonomic office solutions including Comhar Pro Standing Desk Q8 and much more that allow employees to maintain good working posture, and alleviate posture-related aches and pains.
Apart from appropriate office equipment, proper lighting and creating a comfortable working environment is also integral to avoid workplace fatigue. With the right amount of lighting, employees won't feel fatigued which will positively contribute to improving their productivity and overall well-being.
Shop Ergonomic Equipment at FlexiSpot
If the employees at your organization are struggling with workplace fatigue, it's time to revamp your workspace and invest in ergonomic office equipment. Get in touch with FlexiSpot to learn more about what ergonomic products are best suited for your employees. Find out more about amazing discounts and deals here!
