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Sleep, Stress, and Success

This guide examines sleep and workplace stress.

Why Businesses Should Care

Gallup survey results indicate that many people are sleeping less, which may contribute to—and result from—higher stress.

For employers, insufficient sleep can affect concentration, decision-making, well-being, and productivity.

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Americans Are Sleeping Less

See the latest Gallup results here.

“57% of Americans say they would benefit from getting more sleep.”
— Gallup poll

People Are Getting Less Sleep

A recent Gallup poll highlighted a concerning trend: many people report getting less sleep, which may contribute to stress.

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Why Employers Should Care About Employee Sleep

Why should businesses care about their employees’ sleep habits? The answer lies in the crucial link between rest, stress, and productivity. A significant portion of Americans reported that they would benefit from more sleep. A fifth of Americans report sleeping fewer than five hours a night. The Gallup poll found that 57% of surveyed Americans say they would benefit from getting more sleep. Stress levels are up. This lack of sleep can both be caused by, and create stress in employees. These results document a big change since the last time this survey was done a decade ago.

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The Two-Way Relationship Between Stress and Sleep

Stress and Sleep

Stress and sleep are closely linked. The American Psychological Association describes a two-way relationship: less sleep can mean more stress, and stress can make sleep more difficult. In the cited survey, 63% of respondents who said they needed more sleep reported frequent stress, compared with 31% of people who said they were getting enough sleep.

Well-rested employees are better positioned to concentrate, solve problems, and make sound decisions. Sleep deprivation can reduce focus, lower productivity, and contribute to workplace errors.

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How HR and Managers Can Support Better Sleep

What Can HR Professionals and Managers Do?

Businesses can support healthier sleep by fostering work-life balance and prioritizing employee well-being. Encourage employees to disconnect after work, offer flexibility where practical, and provide wellness resources that help people manage stress.

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Incentivize Stress-Reducing Activities

Incentivize your team to participate in stress-reducing activities. Encourage activities (e.g. Great Outdoors Month) that allow for calm interaction between colleagues; online and offline. Endeavor to make our workplaces stress-appropriate. While it is difficult to fully remove deadline pressures and other workday pressures, it is possible to schedule periods that are calmer and potentially more relaxing.

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Benefits of Workplace Stress Management

Explore stress-management ideas.

Effective stress management can support employee health, engagement, and sustainable performance.

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Productivity, Retention, Relationships, and Well-Being

Improved productivity: Reduced stress levels lead to increased focus, better decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving abilities, resulting in higher productivity and better work quality.
Enhanced employee engagement: When employees feel less stressed, they are more engaged, committed, and satisfied with their jobs, which contributes to a positive work environment and a stronger company culture.
Reduced absenteeism and turnover: High stress levels lead to physical and mental health issues, resulting in increased absenteeism. By promoting stress reduction, employers decrease the number of sick days taken by employees and reduce the risk of losing valuable employees due to burnout.
Lower healthcare costs: Chronic stress has been linked to health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Employers can potentially decrease healthcare costs associated with stress-related illnesses by encouraging stress reduction.

Improved workplace relationships: A less stressful work environment fosters better communication, collaboration, and teamwork among employees, leading to more harmonious and productive workplace relationships.
Positive company image: Employers prioritizing employee well-being and reducing stress are more likely to be considered responsible and caring organizations. This positive image can attract top talent and enhance the company’s reputation among clients, customers, and industry peers.
Enhanced creativity and innovation: Employees who feel less stressed are more likely to think creatively, develop new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems, driving the company’s growth and success.
Increased employee resilience: By promoting stress management techniques, employers can help their employees build resilience, enabling them to better cope with challenges and adapt to change, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Better work-life balance: Encouraging stress reduction can lead to a healthier work-life balance for employees, contributing to their overall well-being and satisfaction, both in and out of the workplace.
Legal and ethical responsibility: Employers have a legal and ethical obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment, which includes addressing and minimizing workplace stress.

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Wellness and Self-Care Incentives

Wellness and Self-Care Activities

Gift cards for wellness or self-care activities—such as yoga, massage, or other restorative experiences—can demonstrate support for employee well-being. When employees have accessible ways to recharge, they may be better equipped to manage stress and return to work with renewed focus.

Thoughtful wellness benefits can reinforce that employee well-being matters, support loyalty, and help attract and retain talent.

Consider an optional stress-reduction activity that is accessible to in-person and remote employees.

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Stress-Buster and Team-Building Activities

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork among employees is essential for boosting morale and enhancing overall workplace satisfaction. Providing gift cards for group activities such as happy hour, lunch at a local restaurant, virtual lunch, cooking classes, game nights, or trivia events can be a powerful way for businesses to promote stress relief and strengthen team bonds. These social activities allow employees to step away from their daily work routines, engage in lighthearted fun, and connect with their colleagues on a personal level, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. The benefits of stress-busting group activities extend beyond just employee satisfaction. Participating in shared experiences can lead to improved communication, increased collaboration, and a better understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses, all of which contribute to a more effective and cohesive team.

Moreover, these activities provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, helping employees to recharge and return to work with renewed focus and motivation. By investing in group activities that promote relaxation and team-building, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being, ultimately leading to higher levels of engagement, retention, and productivity in the workplace.

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Breakfast and Reading-Based Relaxation

Breakfast Relaxation

A shared breakfast can create an informal setting for connection, appreciation, and conversation. Schedule the activity so participation is optional and accessible, including a digital food-delivery choice for remote employees when appropriate.

Occasional breakfast rewards can demonstrate support for employee well-being and cultivate a workplace that values connection, collaboration, and belonging.

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Reading Incentives and Employee Comfort

Providing employees with gift cards to local bookstores or online retailers and inspiring them to read and unwind during their downtime is another great way to encourage relaxation and stress reduction. Reading not only offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life but also stimulates the mind, broadens perspectives, and fosters empathy and emotional intelligence, all of which can contribute to personal and professional growth. By offering incentives for reading materials, businesses demonstrate their commitment to nurturing a well-rounded and mentally healthy workforce. Reading can help employees disengage from work-related stress and return to their tasks with a refreshed and focused mindset, ultimately boosting productivity and job satisfaction. Moreover, encouraging a culture of learning and personal development within the company can lead to increased creativity, improved problem-solving abilities, and enhanced employee communication skills.

Reading incentives can reinforce continuous growth, mental well-being, and healthy time away from work, supporting both employees and the organization.

Comfort-focused options can give each recipient a practical way to relax and recharge.

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Ergonomic and Personalized Workspaces

A comfortable, well-designed work environment promotes employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. By providing gift cards and merchandise options for ergonomic office supplies or desk accessories, businesses can actively support their employees in creating personalized and stress-free workspaces. Ergonomic office options, such as adjustable chairs, standing desks, or wrist rests, can significantly enhance comfort and reduce the risk of work-related injuries or strain. Desk accessories, such as organizers, plants, or desk lamps, can help employees create an inviting, functional space that fosters focus and efficiency. Investing in employees’ work environments not only shows a company’s commitment to employee health and well-being but can also lead to tangible benefits for the organization. When employees have access to the tools and resources they need to work comfortably, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles.

Furthermore, prioritizing ergonomics can result in reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and a decrease in employee turnover. By offering options that enable employees to enhance their work environment, businesses demonstrate their dedication to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace, ultimately contributing to the success and longevity of the organization.

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