Written by Dana Wisniewski, MS, Health Promotion Manager
In today’s fast-paced work environment, sleep often takes a backseat to deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists. However, prioritizing employee sleep is not just a wellness trend—it’s a smart business strategy. Poor sleep negatively impacts productivity, creativity, and overall workplace morale, while well-rested employees are healthier, more engaged, and perform at their best. Here’s how employers can foster a culture that values sleep:
1. Educate Employees About Sleep Health
Many people underestimate the importance of sleep or don’t fully understand how it affects their health and performance. Employers can offer:
Workshops or webinars on sleep hygiene and its benefits.
Educational resources like newsletters or handouts.
Access to sleep-related apps or tools to help employees track and improve their sleep habits.
2. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Long hours and always-on expectations are a recipe for burnout and poor sleep. Employers can help by:
Setting clear boundaries around work hours to discourage after-hours emails or calls.
Promoting flexible work schedules to accommodate individual sleep needs.
Encouraging employees to take their allotted breaks and vacations.
3. Optimize the Workplace Environment
A sleep-supportive work environment goes beyond just what happens at home. Employers can:
Provide access to ergonomic workstations that reduce physical strain, which can impact sleep.
Offer quiet rooms or nap spaces where employees can recharge during the day.
Ensure workplace lighting is aligned with circadian rhythms, using natural light when possible.
4. Promote Physical and Mental Wellness
Physical activity and stress management are key to better sleep. Employers can support this by:
Offering on-site fitness programs or gym memberships.
Providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling or mindfulness apps.
Organizing activities like yoga or meditation sessions to help employees unwind.
5. Lead by Example
Leadership plays a significant role in shaping workplace culture. Managers and executives can model healthy sleep habits by:
Avoiding the glorification of overwork and sleep deprivation.
Sharing their own efforts to prioritize sleep.
Recognizing and rewarding productivity and efficiency over sheer hours worked.
6. Provide Sleep-Friendly Benefits
Employers can go a step further by offering benefits designed to improve sleep, such as:
Subsidies for sleep-related tools like blackout curtains, white noise machines, or sleep trackers.
Access to telehealth consultations with sleep specialists.
Partnering with wellness programs to provide discounts on mattresses or bedding.
Email Kristine at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com to get started or call 612.823.4470 (select option “1”).
Let Kristine Keykal, M.P.H, co-founder of AdvantageHealth with over 25 years of experience, consult with you on your employee wellness program.
Since 2001, Minnesota-based AdvantageHealth has been delivering award-winning employee wellbeing programs and fitness center design & management throughout the U.S.