Poor Sleep on the Job – Why Companies Need to Act

Sleep is the most important resource for health and performance – and yet almost a third of the working population in Germany and Austria regularly suffers from sleep problems. These complaints do not end at the office door: they have direct and measurable effects on motivation, productivity, and absenteeism at work. For companies, inadequate sleep is not a marginal issue, but a serious risk factor.

Poor sleep as an underestimated problem

About 30% of all working people report chronic sleep disorders or problems with falling and staying asleep. Shift workers, employees in high-stress industries, or executives with high responsibilities are particularly affected. But even among "healthy" employees, occasional sleep deprivation leads to significant performance losses.

Lack of sleep has an immediate impact on cognitive performance: concentration and attention decrease, errors accumulate, creativity diminishes. Those who work while overtired demonstrably make poorer decisions – a danger that is as relevant in management as it is in safety-critical professions.

Concrete economic consequences

Sleep problems are expensive for companies. Studies show:

• 2–3 additional sick days per year on average occur among employees with insomnia.
   
• 11 lost working days due to productivity losses ("presenteeism" – employees are present but hardly productive).
   
• +70% increased accident risk with chronic sleep deprivation – particularly serious in manufacturing companies, in the transport sector, or among caregivers.
   

Converted, this means annual additional costs in the six-figure range for a company with 1,000 employees – solely due to sleep problems.

Mental stress amplifies the effect

Poor sleep is closely linked to mental illnesses. Persistent sleep problems significantly increase the risk of depression, burnout, and anxiety disorders. At the same time, it is true that those who are psychologically burdened sleep worse. A vicious circle arises that can take employees out of the work process for months or years.

Why companies need to act

Healthy sleep is not a "private problem" but a central component of employee health. Companies that take action here invest directly in their future viability. Prevention and support for sleep problems not only improve the well-being of the workforce but also reduce absences, increase productivity, and enhance employer attractiveness.

Conclusion

Inadequate sleep at work is a risk that companies cannot afford. Those who take sleep health seriously increase performance, protect the mental health of employees, and reduce costs in the long term.