You have had an exhausting day filled with tasks, and you come home tired and stressed. Whether you are a woman or a man, every employee is likely to experience fatigue at some point. The problem of workplace fatigue is often only recognized after a major incident or when it has already become deeply rooted.
Workplace fatigue affects a large number of employees every day. Sometimes it feels insignificant, but in other cases it can have serious consequences for employee health. Identifying this factor, as well as the signs that surround it, is essential. In this article, we explore some ways to fight workplace fatigue.
What does workplace fatigue look like?
Workplace fatigue is above all a feeling of mental and physical exhaustion. It often affects employees overloaded with demands or overwhelmed by stress. Fatigue at work can lead to reduced productivity and efficiency. Symptoms may include drowsiness, sadness, uncontrolled sleepiness, or even lethargy.
Physical fatigue occurs when the physical capacity needed to perform a task decreases. Mental fatigue is linked to reduced motivation and difficulties in processing information. General fatigue occurs when both combine, leaving the employee completely drained.
More specifically, workplace fatigue can be acute or chronic (Source: Global Watch).
Acute fatigue comes from the accumulation of harmful conditions such as emotional stress, intense effort, or a noisy environment. To address this type of fatigue, it is important to maintain a healthy sleep routine and practice regular physical activity.
Chronic fatigue shares similar symptoms but lasts longer and can lead to serious consequences, such as illness. Workplace fatigue is rarely caused by a single factor and often stems from multiple sources.
Signs of fatigue can often be seen in behavior: mood changes, frequent mistakes, or being more prone to illness or injury.
How to prevent workplace fatigue
A heavy workload is an obvious source of fatigue. The first question to ask is whether the workload is reasonable. If overwork becomes an issue, tasks should be reorganized or redistributed within the team.
It is also crucial to take breaks during the day. Stretch your legs, have a coffee, or grab a healthy snack. These small pauses help recharge your energy and increase focus.
Poor working conditions can also cause fatigue. Noise, inappropriate temperature, or harsh lighting all play a role. That is why rethinking office spaces is important. Clear rules for shared areas, like banning phone calls in open spaces, can help too. If possible, setting up a dedicated rest area in the office is an excellent idea.
Toxic or authoritarian management can also harm mental health, creating frustration and stress, both recognized causes of fatigue. A negative atmosphere between colleagues can have the same effect. That is why awareness around harassment and discrimination is so important. More broadly, initiatives to improve well-being at work — from hiring a Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) to introducing quality of work life programs — can be highly beneficial.
When should you worry about workplace fatigue?
If fatigue that seemed temporary lasts over time, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Acute fatigue that persists becomes chronic fatigue. This form can lead to complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, sometimes evolving into burnout, a syndrome that is increasingly common.
On the other hand, too little work or a lack of stimulation can also lead to fatigue and negatively affect employee health.
According to INAMI, between 2016 and 2021, the number of people on long-term sick leave due to mental disorders increased by 30.97 percent, with a 46.35 percent rise linked to depression or burnout.
Conclusion
Workplace fatigue is a serious issue that should not be ignored. Regular check-ins with employees are necessary. There are many ways to fight fatigue, but they must be applied consistently. That means ensuring workloads remain reasonable to avoid overwork, creating a pleasant work environment, encouraging healthy breaks, and implementing initiatives that support well-being at work.
Sleep and diet are also decisive factors. To maintain energy and motivation at the office, employees must take care of themselves.
And of course, in the case of persistent symptoms, consulting a doctor remains the best option for finding the right solutions.
Published on 29/03/2023
