Workplace fatigue is a growing concern, leading to decreased productivity, increased accidents and errors, and even serious health issues. The National Safety Council estimates that drowsy workers cause more than 100,000 car crashes and 1,500 deaths each year in the U.S. Employers have a responsibility to address the issue of fatigue in the workplace, and there are several steps they can take to help their employees fight fatigue.

It’s important to note that fatigue is not only a problem for shift workers or those in physically demanding jobs, but it can affect anyone at any time, especially during these times of stress and uncertainty. Therefore, it’s important for employers to create a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace, where employees feel comfortable discussing fatigue and other related issues.

With that in mind, we present you an 8-item checklist to fight fatigue at work. This checklist covers all the basic steps you need to take to help your employees fight fatigue, from encouraging regular exercise and physical activity to improving lighting and ventilation. By following these tips, employers can help to reduce the risk of accidents, improve productivity, and promote the overall health and well-being of their employees.

  1. Encourage regular exercise and physical activity: Regular exercise and physical activity can help to boost energy levels and improve overall health and well-being. By participating in regular physical activity, employees can improve their cardiovascular fitness, build muscle strength, and reduce stress, all of which can help to combat fatigue. Employers can encourage their employees to engage in regular physical activity by offering workout facilities or fitness classes, or by providing incentives for employees who participate in regular exercise programs. This could include offering discounts at local gyms or wellness centers, or creating a company sports league or walking challenge.
  2. Implement flexible work schedules: Allowing employees to have more control over their work schedules can help to reduce fatigue and increase productivity. Flexible work schedules can give employees the ability to structure their workday in a way that best suits their needs, whether that means starting work earlier to avoid rush hour traffic, working from home to avoid a long commute, or taking a longer lunch break to run errands. Employers can implement flexible work schedules by offering flexible start and finish times, or by providing telecommuting options. Employers should also consider allowing employees to take a certain number of flexible days off per year.
  3. Encourage employees to take regular breaks: Regular breaks throughout the workday can help to reduce fatigue and increase productivity. Taking a short break can help employees to clear their minds, recharge their batteries, and return to their work with renewed focus and energy. Employers can encourage employees to take regular breaks by setting up break rooms or designated rest areas, or by offering incentives for employees who take regular breaks. This could include creating a break room with comfortable seating and providing employees with a small snack or beverage.
  4. Improve lighting and ventilation: Proper lighting and ventilation can help to improve the overall working environment and reduce fatigue. Poor lighting and ventilation can cause eye strain, headaches, and a lack of energy, all of which can contribute to fatigue. Employers can improve lighting and ventilation by installing windows, skylights, or other natural light sources, or by providing air purifiers or other ventilation equipment. This could also include providing employees with personal
  5. Promote healthy eating and drinking habits: Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help to reduce fatigue and increase energy levels. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining energy levels and concentration throughout the day. Employers can promote healthy eating and drinking habits by providing healthy snacks, or by offering incentives for employees who adopt healthy eating and drinking habits. This could include providing a free healthy lunch or snacks in the break room, or offering discounts at local healthy food options.
  6. Encourage employees to get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining energy levels and reducing fatigue. A lack of sleep can lead to decreased productivity, increased accidents and errors, and even serious health issues. Employers can encourage employees to get enough sleep by educating them about the importance of sleep, or by offering incentives for employees who get enough sleep. This could include offering flexible work schedules to allow employees to have more control over their sleep schedule, or offering paid time off for employees who have trouble sleeping.
  7. Promote stress management techniques: Stress can contribute to fatigue and burnout, and employers can help reduce stress by promoting stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Employers can offer stress management classes or workshops, or provide resources such as books or videos on stress management techniques.
  8. Foster a positive work culture: A positive and supportive work culture can help to reduce stress and fatigue, and employers can foster a positive work culture by encouraging open communication, recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions, and providing opportunities for professional development. This could include creating a mentorship program, or offering regular team-building activities. A positive work culture can also be created by promoting a healthy work-life balance, providing opportunities for employee feedback, and encouraging collaboration. Employers should also be open to employee suggestions and ideas to improve the work environment.

Workplace fatigue is a serious issue that can lead to decreased productivity, increased accidents and errors, and even serious health issues. Employers have a responsibility to address the issue of fatigue in the workplace, and there are several steps they can take to help their employees fight fatigue. The checklist provided in this article includes 8 essential steps to help employers create a safe and healthy work environment, such as encouraging regular exercise and physical activity, implementing flexible work schedules, and promoting healthy eating and drinking habits. By following these tips, employers can help to reduce the risk of accidents, improve productivity, and promote the overall health and well-being of their employees. It’s important to remember that fatigue is not only a problem for shift workers or those in physically demanding jobs, but it can affect anyone at any time, it is important for employers to create a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace, where employees feel comfortable discussing fatigue and other related issues.