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EXHAUSTED WORKERS ARE COSTING EMPLOYERS BILLIONS

Workers who are fatigued average 5.6 hours per week of lost productive time.

Everyone always says that just a few extra hours a day or a week would make a difference in the productivity and quality of their lives.   But despite the increasing demands on today's workers, it is important for everyone to find a life/work balance in order to increase basic productivity and avoid illness and injury.   Recent studies show that overworked and fatigued workers are less productive than their well rested counterparts.   These workers are more likely to miss work and experience long-term work absence than those who are less fatigued.   Some of the symtoms of fatigue can include, weariness, irritability, lack of motivation, depression and headache.

Since this loss in productivity is of concern to any organization watching its bottom line, some companies are intervening to assist these workers by i ncreasing workers' access to employer-sponsored work/life programs for help in balancing their work and personal responsibilities and also ensuring that workers whose fatigue is a primary symptom of a health condition, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or depressive disorders, get assessment and treatment.

Work/life programs can include concierge services such as dry cleaning pickup, child and elder care, and access to legal or financial services such as estate planning. Alternative work arrangements such as job sharing and telecommuting also could be incredibly beneficial.

Speak to your company's HR department about the availability of any such programs and if not, perhaps you can be the point person to develop and implement a program.   Or, create your own solutions such as hiring help with errands and housecleaning, taking naps and perhaps committing to less social activities in order to create more free time.

For more detailed information on recent studies of fatigued workers, check out this link