Employee fatigue can have adverse effects in the workplace and on the productivity of workforces across a range of industries. For organizations with safety sensitive environments, those effects can be serious cause for concern.
Many may think that fatigue only affects the physical body but in fact, it can also manifest as mental and emotional exhaustion. The effects of fatigue are most often caused by prolonged periods of exertion without proper periods of rest and recovery. So what can employees do to foster a culture of balance between hard work and rest? In this article we’ll walk through the top 5 tips to help manage fatigue at work.
1) Rest & Recover.
The number one most important tip to combating fatigue is allowing your body the opportunity to get the proper rest. In physically demanding jobs it is also just as important to allow your body time to recover. When you feel sleepy, it is your body’s way of telling you that it needs some down time. Ensuring you allow yourself a solid amount of uninterrupted sleep could be the difference between having the energy to get through your next shift, or not. Some people manage to function relatively well on less sleep, while others need their full 8 hours a night. Try to monitor your sleep habits and how you feel the next day to understand your “sweet spot” for hours of sleep needed.
2) Diet is just as important as rest.
Eating a healthy balanced diet is key to the maintenance of energy. If we think of the body as a machine, we should consider our diet as the oil that keeps all the gears lubricated. Avoiding high fat, sugary, processed foods will help regulate blood sugar levels which control energy. Opting for natural food choices high in fibre, protein and whole grains will aid in sustaining steady energy levels throughout the day as opposed to experiencing harsh energy peaks and crashes.
3) Limit unnecessary social engagements.
If you find yourself in a phase in life where you are more tired than usual than it might be time to start declining social engagements. Over booking your schedule will not only cause undue stress, but will also mean that you won’t even enjoy attending all your social engagements. Take some time to rest and recover and start opening up your calendar again. You will find that you enjoy your social breaks more this way too!
4) Get some exercise in.
Not everyone is a marathon runner or champion weight lifter, but even low to moderate levels of exercise have been proven to increase overall energy levels. If you aren’t one to normally exercise, try to incorporate a brisk walk after dinner. This will help your metabolism stay active and help you sleep better!
5) Create a relaxation ritual.
For some people relaxation might mean playing a round of golf, for others it might mean watching their favourite TV show. Whatever you do to wind down, ensure you put some time aside for it on a regular basis. Taking care of yourself first and finding a little time to do something you love will make you a better colleague, family member and friend.
