Our global economy has spawned a burgeoning population of workers who do their jobs when everyone else is asleep. Whether they work the wee hours at a warehouse or a call center, night-shift employees are prone to a level of fatigue that can make them grouchy and accident prone, as well as just plain sleepy. That’s because when human beings work all night and sleep during the day, they challenge their natural wake-sleep pattern. It doesn’t help that night-shift employees tend to sleep less than their day-shift counterparts, and the sleep they do get isn’t as restful. They can unwittingly compound their fatigue if they sleep at a different time of day during their days off.
1. Providing a work environment that promotes good health.
2. Being mindful of the challenges they face when trying to get enough sleep.
3. Consistently reminding them that management values their work.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Lighten Up
If your night-shift employees are working under dim lights their mood and energy level will sag. Bright lights act as a signal to the body to perk up. Talk to commercial lighting sellers about the lighting options for your employees’ work spaces.
I recommend: Check out
Full Spectrum Solutions and
Lighting.com.
Keep it Cool
A cool workplace is a productive workplace. Even a slightly warm room can hamper job performance. Portable fans and ceiling fans can be an effective and economical way to bring the temperature down to more comfortable levels.
I recommend: The Fan Shack offers a huge selection of fans.
Consult a night-shift consultant
If you need help with issues related to night-shift productivity, talk to an expert who specializes in solving problems that are unique to night-time work environments.
I recommend: Circadian Technologies and
Shiftwork Solutions. Both firms offer services that help companies make the most of their night-shift operations.
Energize your snacks
When break time arrives, give workers access to snacks that will give them a boost. Replace foods laden with sugar and saturated fat (think traditional potato chips and cookies) with healthier snacks such as nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables.
I recommend: The FruitGuys will deliver fresh, hand-picket fruit to your door.
Canteen's Balanced Choices is a line of food machines that serve up dishes like fat-free waffles.
Workout at work
Another way to ward off fatigue is to get a little exercise during breaks. Create a recreation space where employees can play games that involve physical activity, such as billiards or table tennis. Provide hand weights and other options for those who prefer to do light workouts on their own.
I recommend: Sports Authority carries variety of compact exercise equipment. At Amazon.com you can select from dozens of
foosball tables and other equipment for other games.
Provide a rest stop
Give employees a quiet area or two where they can decompress during breaks. These rest areas should have subdued lighting and comfortable seating, including cots for those who want to take a quick nap.
I recommend: Check out the portable cots at
NexTag and
Amazon.com.
Show appreciation
Night shift workers often feel cut off from the company’s day-to-day activities. That includes the occasional “job well done” comments from management. Don’t skimp on compliments. It doesn’t hurt to also reward employees with tangible gifts when they have met a tough goal or gone beyond the call of duty.
I recommend: Present high-achievers with a gift card for a
store or restaurant with locations nationwide, or a gift certificate for an
online store.
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