Wasted at Work: Understanding Workplace Fatigue
Tips for reducing fatigue and injury in the workplace
Fatigue is often an unnoticed factor affecting the workplace. Its mental impact is comparable to that of alcohol, with 21 hours of sleep deprivation equating to a blood alcohol content sufficient to fail a breathalyzer test. However, identifying the effects of fatigue can be challenging, as they are not always apparent from an external perspective. Fatigue can lead to diminished concentration, attention, memory, irritability, and other detrimental effects. Over time, this can result in boredom, a lack of fulfillment, and decreased productivity. In high-risk industries, fatigue can pose life-threatening risks. So, how can we address these negative impacts of fatigue effectively?
Common Causes of Workplace Fatigue
Fatigue seldom stems from a single source; it reflects a mix of workplace factors and personal recovery habits.
For example, nonstandard schedules and shift work disrupt circadian timing and make restorative sleep harder. Shift workers and night shift workers are particularly affected, and poorly designed shift rotation patterns can worsen the risk of fatigue. High-demand roles with extended, irregular, or consistently long work hours limit recovery windows.
Inconsistent sleep routines can be a major contributor to ongoing fatigue. Over time, sleep deprivation is linked with health concerns such as high blood pressure, poor mental health, and more.
Also, time spent commuting may grow cumbersome, and insufficient or missed breaks can add strain. Depending on the workplace setting, environmental causes of fatigue may include:
- Heat, noise, and glare
- Monotonous tasks that require sustained vigilance
- Heavy cognitive load
The Costs of Fatigue in the Workplace
Unchecked fatigue creates tangible safety risks and quality problems. Slower reaction time and reduced situational awareness raise the odds of workplace errors and industrial accidents, particularly around heavy machinery. In transportation, for instance, driver fatigue increases crash risk. In healthcare, fatigue can compromise patient handoffs and medication safety. These are clear consequences of fatigue with serious stakes.
The business impact of fatigue shows up as presenteeism, rework, defects, and turnover — direct financial hits from fatigued employees. Fatigue is estimated to cost employers more than $100 billion annually due to health-related lost productivity.
From a compliance standpoint, organizations have duties under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the primary U.S. health act for workplace safety) and related occupational safety standards to control foreseeable hazards, including fatigue risks. Many high-reliability sectors use fatigue risk management
systems to identify hazards, monitor fatigue levels, and mitigate the risk of fatigue by redesigning schedules and adding rest opportunities, while training supervisors to recognize early warning signs.
System-Level Focus
One approach is to focus on the system that gives rise to fatigue-inducing conditions. Research on workplace safety has revealed that 85% of workplace errors are caused by systemic factors rather than individual workers themselves. As Philip Greison, Vice President of PROSAFE Solutions, says, “When [workers] are fatigue-drunk, we don’t just tolerate it. We actually create the system that causes it.” Especially considering high turnover rates and the considerable resources required to attempt to change the mindset of each individual worker, it becomes evident that allocating resources towards changing the system is the most effective approach. For example, many companies follow the Department of Transportation’s 14-hour maximum for drivers and apply it to their own workplaces. However, if workers are working 14-hour shifts, do they really have enough time to commute home, take care of personal and familial responsibilities, eat, clean, and still be able to get a good night’s sleep? Addressing this concern, a Florida-based company implemented a change by giving employees a 7% blanket pay raise while reducing working hours. Six months later, they gave an additional 3% pay raise. These changes resulted in increased productivity, higher morale, improved worker retention, and enhanced profits. Avoiding long shifts, ensuring adequate rest and recovery time between shifts, and incorporating regular breaks during shifts are effective system-level changes that employers can make to mitigate fatigue.
Emerging Solutions
Introducing automation is an intriguing approach for workplaces and another solution to help combat and reduce fatigue. However, it is crucial to evaluate existing processes thoroughly, identify hazards, and involve employees in the design before implementing automation. Otherwise, you may be “automating a bad process and producing bad results faster and more efficiently,” Paul Todd, leader of Georgia Tech’s Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) team, says. The phrase “dull, dirty, and dangerous” describes tasks that may be prime candidates for automation because it would reduce risk and allow employees to focus their skills on more fulfilling tasks that require human talents. Additionally, it's important to recognize that automation extends beyond the traditional perception of large, hazardous machinery often associated with car manufacturing facilities. There is a wide range of automation technology, including smaller-scale equipment that can be effectively and safely implemented in various workplace settings. By evaluating processes that contribute to fatigue and experimenting with changes, especially at the system level, employers can effectively manage the effects of fatigue and foster a more satisfying and sustainable workplace.
The Path Forward: Creating a Culture that Fights Workplace Fatigue
Mitigating the negative impacts of workplace fatigue requires addressing systemic factors rather than solely focusing on individual employees. By implementing system-level changes, such as avoiding long shifts, allowing sufficient rest time, and considering automation where applicable, organizations can create a more fulfilling and sustainable work environment.
Looking to help lead safer, higher-performing workplaces? Georgia Tech’s Professional Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health (PMOSH) is a career-friendly, two-year hybrid master’s designed for working professionals — combining online learning with several short on-campus visits for hands-on practice and networking. Join a cohort of industry peers, apply new tools to your organization in real time, and accelerate your impact and earning potential. Explore the curriculum and upcoming info sessions, or start your application today.
Watch our webinar, Tips for Reducing Fatigue and Injury in the Workplace, to hear directly from Georgia Tech experts on how organizations can help their workers stay mentally and physically engaged while on the job.
Written by: Jessica Helmer
Project Management Leaders Share, Learn, and Connect
