Right now you are thinking. “So, work and fatigue don’t mix, but my work tires me every day!”  Or do you get tired of your work?  Our mental outlook on our occupation plays a large part in how our bodies react to the demands of our jobs.  You certainly wouldn’t want to meet a drowsy driver on the road because he has driven too many hours.  Would you want a surgeon to operate on you if he’s already been in the operating room for several hours?  I want mine scheduled for the first thing in the morning!  If we have a good attitude about the work we plan to perform each day, we will see better results, and look forward to the next day.  Think positive thoughts.

There are many factors that play into workplace fatigue, such as:

• Sleep-deprivation;

• Lonely, boring jobs;

• Shifts that are too long;

• Demands to work extra shifts;

• Dissatisfaction with job;

• Heavy work loads;

• Stress.

Studies have shown that because of workers’ lack of sleep, the costs of lost productivity range in the $350 billions-worldwide annually.  The best habit for anyone is to get 7.5 or 8.5 hours of sleep per night.  Persons who work night shifts have more difficulty adjusting to different sleep patterns and sometimes suffer from fatigue at work, even going to sleep on the job.

Employers should ensure that the workplace doesn’t promote fatigue.  One way to succeed is to require shorter shifts or change to rotating shifts, eliminate repetitive jobs by varying job duties, and train workers on how to get enough rest.  While on breaks, workers could try playing a quick game, or planning their next get-away, instead of thinking about their work duties.
Fatigue can cause poor judgment, lack of concentration, poor communication skills, less productivity, and the ability to do complex jobs.  Tired workers experience slower reaction time, loss of memory, the ability to recall details, and may take risks, which could lead to everyone being in harm’s way.  Most jobs require our complete attention, such as heavy equipment operators, handling dangerous chemicals, using sharp instruments, driving vehicles, taking care of patients; the list could go on and on.

If one always feels tired or depressed, it would be best to see his/her doctor, to be sure there isn’t a medical reason for their fatigue, at home and work.  Everyone can stay strong by eating healthy, avoiding junk and fatty foods, doing the right exercise regularly, and getting enough sleep.

So, don’t be “sick and tired of being sick and tired!”  It’s up to you to do something about it.

Try starting with A for Attitude.