Marvin OnumonuSleepless nights are affecting workers across the UK, according to a survey from the Mental Health Foundation.
Research found that adults are averaging only three nights of good sleep a week.
One in three (33%) workers said poor sleep makes it harder to concentrate at work, while more than one in five (22%) admitted tiredness has caused them to make more mistakes.
One in eight reported falling asleep at work.
One in seven (13%) said their job had a negative impact on their sleep in the past month.
Alexa Knight, director of policy and influencing at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “Sleep is essential for our mental and physical health, but it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy or stressful.
“This research shows that poor sleep can be both a consequence of work-related stress and a barrier to performing well at work.
“Many UK adults report that their jobs are affecting their ability to get good quality sleep, while at the same time, lack of sleep is interfering with their concentration, decision-making, and wellbeing.”
The Government’s Keep Britain Working review called for stronger employer action on health and wellbeing at work.
She said employers have a vital role to play in supporting healthy sleep through flexible working, manageable workloads and open conversations about mental health.
Knight added: “Employers have a vital role to play in creating environments that support healthy sleep, through flexible working, manageable workloads, and open conversations about mental health.
“We also encourage individuals to prioritise sleep as a foundation for good mental health and seek support when stress begins to affect their rest.
“Workplaces that invest in wellbeing initiatives, including promoting healthy sleep habits, can see improvements in staff engagement, productivity, and retention.”
She said: “Ensuring workplaces are safe spaces to discuss mental health and wellbeing is essential.
“Staff must feel comfortable to share their worries and managers should be trained to know how to best support people who are struggling.
“Having resources easily available to people can help too.
“The Mental Health Foundation has a number of free-to-download publications including How to look after mental health at work and How to sleep better.”
She added: “The Mental Health Foundation is also the home of Mental Health Awareness Week which runs every May.
“Getting involved gives organisations an easy way to broach the subject of mental health and wellbeing with colleagues, often by participating in fun events.
“This low-pressure activity can often be the catalyst that encourages staff to speak out about their struggles and ask for help.”
