Study: Most Workers Lose Sleep Due to Work-Related Stress

Study: Most Workers Lose Sleep Due to Work-Related Stress


According to a recent survey released by the global talent mobility firm, Lee Hecht Harrison, 85 percent of employees are losing sleep due to work-related stress.

In March 2015, LHH surveyed a pool of 744 workers throughout the United States via an online poll, asking participants if work had an impact on their sleep pattern. A breakdown of the survey results show that 28 percent agree that work always impacts their sleep, 26 percent said frequently, 31 percent said sometimes, 11 percent said rarely and 4 percent said never.

“The negative impact of work-related stress on sleep can lead to a downward spiral on performance at work, from lost productivity, to impaired decision making, illness, frayed nerves and mistakes,” said LHH Executive Vice President Jim Greenway. “It’s imperative that managers are watching and listening for cues that might signal if stress is impacting the health and performance of their employees.”

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According to studies, sleep deprivation can put individuals at risk of major health problems including heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. Research results from Gallup show Americans work an average of 47 hours per week, almost a full work-day longer than what a standard 9-to-5 work schedule entails.

In order to improve the stress levels and sleep patterns of employees, Greenway suggest working professionals set boundaries on work duties and carve out time for relaxation breaks. For managers, he says it’s important for them to support employees taking adequate time to decompress in order to ensure their health and productivity in the workplace.


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