A problem that is always present in companies and that affects productivity of workers is workplace fatigue.

Many business owners may think that their workers don’t experience fatigue if they don’t work physically, but that’s the wrong assumption. It is present in all types of work, even when workers sit all day or work in front of computers.

It may not be the first thing that springs to mind of an employer, but workplace fatigue can have bad effects on a company’s finances.

The influence is not direct, but as workplace fatigue decreases productivity and enthusiasm of workers, it’s obvious that it’s disadvantageous and harmful for business.

Most business owners shut eyes to working fatigue and don’t take it seriously because they don’t actually understand it. It is not just an ordinary tiredness. A worker becomes exhausted and weary at all levels. This includes physical, mental and even emotional exhaustion.

If you want your employees to feel good and healthy and hence avoid reduced productivity, don’t overlook workplace fatigue – start your fight against it as soon as possible.

Now, the easiest solution for workplace fatigue to go away would be that employees don’t come to work. Obviously, that’s not possible because employees need jobs and an employer expects results from their workers’ productive work to keep their business alive.

But don’t lose faith; there are still ways to deal with workplace fatigue. What’s best is that these ways are actually very simple and will not take much of your time and effort.

All employers should follow our advice and take the easy ways to minimize workplace fatigue in their companies. Why not, when they can take things easy and still get results?

Here are some suggestions you can follow:

1. Taking A Break Is Important

If the aim is that employees work productively, it’s crucial that they take a break when they really need it. When on a break, it’s desirable that workers really get a rest and relax. The workplace should be designed in the way allowing that, meaning that, for example, there should be a room where they can eat and drink while on break.

It would be good to have a place where workers can take a nap when they are too sleepy to do their job, if working in a night shift.

Hardworking employees are the most important for the business, so you need to take good care of them and provide them with the deserved and comfortable place to rest. If employees take regular and proper breaks, workplace fatigue can be stopped.

2. The Power Of Workplace Exercise

Although it may seem strange to fight tiredness by doing something even more tiring, it has been proven that exercising really helps in fighting fatigue. It’s one of the best ways to stay alert.

The real cause of workplace fatigue is rarely physical exertion, and physical activity is proven to be extremely useful in treating many mental and mood disorders.

The best thing about physical exercise in the service of improving workplace productivity is that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. As a matter of fact, 15 minute exercise sessions are considered to be most effective.

Of course, no one can force the other person to do anything. Employers shouldn’t force their workers to exercise if the latter have no desire to do it. But employers can think of a way to motivate the employees and encourage them to do exercises.

The people at Autodesk’s Pier 9 facility, located in San Francisco came up with one of the craziest ideas so far. They created a work desk that allows an employee to work while walking or even running. It’s kind of like a hamster wheel when you look at it, so some might not be so thrilled with the idea, but it does the job of allowing an employee to exercise while working.

It’s just one interesting and unusual idea, but if your employees don’t like it you can replace the giant hamster wheel with some equally creative and original idea of your own. You can make them burn some calories and be more physically active by moving the washroom to a different building or disabling the elevator. Just kidding!

3. Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

It’s very common to forget to drink any water when we are very busy with our work. Our body easily dehydrates in that way, so headaches and lack of concentration are not unusual.

Dehydration is also one of the main causes of tiredness and fatigue in the workplace. So, you should always keep your employees hydrated enough so they can stay focused and avoid workplace fatigue.

What you can do is put a drinking fountain in a place at the office that is available to everyone. You can also give employees customized drinking mugs or bottles so they can still get their drinks even if they don’t go to the fountain all the time. If they drink enough water, they will have to use the bathroom more often and if you took our tip about relocating the bathroom in another building altogether, you can make them exercise. You’re hitting two birds with a single stone! Of course, we’re just kidding again there.

4. Learn How To Sit Properly

Something that is known to cause various health problems including, for example, back pains, also frequently causes a fatigue. That something is bad posture. Imagine how poor posture can affect an employee who is obliged to sit for a long time.

Don’t panic. Workplace fatigue caused by sitting for a long period in an improper posture can be avoided. What you can do is pay attention to how a workplace is set up.

For example, ergonomically designed seats maintain proper posture – you should get them. Also, employees should be taught how to perform exercises to promote and keep the good posture.

5. Do Your Job Standing

You surely want your employees to do their job effectively. To be so, you must do your best to prevent them from experiencing workplace fatigue. One more suggestion is that you provide conditions for them to work while standing – you can give them standing desks.

However, employees won’t get rid of fatigue by just standing up. They must maintain proper posture while standing and always keep on moving.

There are also products that employees can use when they are standing while working. Check out what Alsco offers anti-fatigue floor mats that can be rented.

Here is an infographic from SnackNation.com on how to stay healthy at work.

It is impossible to completely prevent your employees from experiencing workplace fatigue. Still, by following our advice and using these practical suggestions, workplace fatigue in your company will certainly be reduced to a minimum.

If you want to enhance the efficiency and productivity of your employees by reducing the fatigue as much as possible, check out a range of products offered by Alsco.

Photo courtesy of Freepik Images by katemangostar