When it comes to workplace safety, businesses often think about equipment, training, and clear protocols. But there’s another essential factor—one that’s as fundamental as any safety rule: good sleep.

Common sense tells us that 8 hours of sleep helps your employees be rested and ready for a productive day’s work in the morning. However, it’s often the first thing to be neglected when it comes to an employee’s health and wellbeing.

Why sleep matters in the workplace?

A lack of sleep can cost more than a few hours of shut eye; it can lead to higher risks and lost productivity. Poor sleep quality among employees is a widespread issue that negatively impacts decision-making, focus, and employee well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased absenteeism, presenteeism (working while unwell), burnout, and higher healthcare costs for employers.

In 2018, absenteeism cost New Zealand businesses $1.79 billion¹ and an estimated 7.4 million workdays were lost through absenteeism the following year.²

The impact of fatigue has a very tangible impact on the productivity and finances of New Zealand businesses. Even in lower-risk settings, fatigue affects ability to focus and attention to detail, which can lead to mistakes that cost your team time and money.

For those in high-risk roles, like operating heavy machinery or managing hazardous tasks, fatigue can be especially dangerous. An overtired worker could cause an accident, impacting themselves, their colleagues, and potentially the public.

In a study analysing 8 years' worth of New Zealand forestry incident data, 78% of worker-failure based incidents showed indications of fatigue.³

With New Zealand workers being twice as likely to suffer a fatal workplace incident than their Australian peers, it’s clear that workplace safety is something we need to wake up to.⁴

How can UniMed help my business fight fatigue?

UniMed isn’t just a health insurer, we’re a health partner, focusing on holistic solutions to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of New Zealand workplaces. That’s why we are proud to partner with positive psychology providers 3 Big Things to offer businesses a variety of services to help manage workplace.

Sleep Talk has been developed to help businesses, particularly those who deal with high-risk environments, identify how fatigue is negatively impacting their workplace and give staff the tools to tackle it.

A poor night’s sleep can be brought on by long hours and shift work but it can also be an indicator of underlying health conditions. By partnering with UniMed, we can work with your team to provide support in both scenarios. 

Helping businesses support their teams

Businesses have a duty to maintain safe work environments and that includes addressing employee fatigue. By prioritising sleep, employers can protect their workers, boost productivity, and create a positive culture.

Beyond safety, good sleep is good for business. Well-rested employees are happier, healthier, and more engaged. Creating an environment that promotes proper rest benefits everyone, not just employees.