Providing opportunities for staff to rest is worthwhile, both morally and from a business perspective. Here, we will examine how to implement a programme to improve colleagues’ sleep, and why it’s a good idea.
Table of Contents
The benefits of sleep for employees and businesses
Here are ways in which sleep can benefit your business.
Enhancing staff morale and well-being
Rest boosts mood, as several studies have shown. As an Australian Department of Health found: “Studies show people who are sleep deprived report increases in negative moods (anger, frustration, irritability, sadness) and decreases in positive moods. And sleeplessness is often a symptom of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.”
A rested employee is a happier and more productive one.
It also improves morale to know that their employers are invested in their wellbeing. On that note…
Sleep’s critical role in health
The benefits of sleep to health are myriad.
Several studies have found that sleep helps the body to rejuvenate and repair itself. An effective sleep pattern helps ward of illnesses, maintain energy levels, balance mood, and is important for a healthy digestion and mood.
As the University of Chicago put it: Sleep is vital for memory consolidation as well as supporting normal immune function and healing after injury or disease.
Fostering an energised and productive workforce
Sleep helps in maintaining concentration, alertness, productivity, and even in reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
In one survey, 44% of employees surveyed said that “quality of sleep significantly impacted their ability to fully contribute at work”.
Benefits of an employee sleep programme
An employee sleep programme will help every colleague to reach a common goal. Putting structure and a calendar to the activities will give focus to the project.
Implementing an effective employee sleep programme
The two pillars to an employee sleep programme are structure and substance. Structure the project with a specific timeframe, actionable ideas, and a desired outcome.
Design a communication plan
Knowledge is power, and your workplace is rich with accumulated wisdom and learning. Start a conversation with whichever means suits your company best (email, internal messaging, informal gatherings).
Get the conversation started with formal information about the benefits of sleep, the science behind it, the company’s stance on worker health, and forthcoming plans on how your company will help its staff improve their sleep and rest habits.
Leveraging digital tools for sleep tracking
Smart phones and watches can be used to keep track of sleep patterns and quality. Just be aware of privacy laws and considerations, with employees given the choice of opting out if there is a conversation about monitoring sleep.
An even simpler solution is to provide subscriptions to meditation apps. As the Sleep Foundation reports: “Meditation can help slow breathing and lower heart rate and blood pressure. Some data suggests that meditation reduces activation of stress pathways in the brain, as well as levels of stress hormones, helping to reduce anxiety.
Promoting a social media detox for better sleep
It should come as no surprise that staring at backlit social media is not conducive to a good night’s rest. Artificial light impacts the body’s melatonin, which interferes with sleep. And the content itself is not always helpful for a restful mind.
As the National Library of Medicine (in the United States) put it: “Several studies have demonstrated that use of…electronic devices causes sleep damage by keeping late bedtimes, limiting the sleep hours, and sleep quality disturbances.”
A company-wide effort to reduce social media use before sleep could help address this issue. Colleagues and management could share tips for reduced phone use at night, and share in victories and challenges in the informal project.
Engaging sleep experts for education and support
It’s not uncommon for businesses to bring in consultants and experts on health and wellbeing. And sleep is no exception. An internal seminar (online or offline) with a Q&A session will help educate and inform management and staff about the benefits of sleep, bad habits to avoid, and good practices to engage in.
The importance of investing in employee sleep
Investing in your employees’ sleep is empathetic, practical and worthwhile. For more insights, explore our posts on How Employers Can Support Sleep Hygiene and Creating the Optimal Sleep Environment.
Allianz Partners can help your business support employee wellbeing and productivity through better sleep practices. Explore our international group health insurance options to learn more about how we can assist your team in staying healthy and well-rested.
