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EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
OSHA's data suggest injuries are caused by errors in judgment and failure to
follow protocols when employees experience disruptions in their circadian rhythms.
Forty percent of workers report that their job is very or extremely stressful. Worker characteristics and working conditions are the primary sources of jobrelated stress, and one working condition that causes stress on the job is shiftwork.
The stress of shiftwork on the body can cause increased tiredness, irregular sleep patterns, and digestive problems, and it can aggravate health conditions. Studies also have shown increased injuries and accidents during certain shifts. Job stress costs companies billions of dollars each year.
Understanding the stresses associated with shiftwork and how to avoid these stressors can help to reduce worker fatigue, accidents, injuries, and the costs associated with these accidents, as well as the reduction in efficiency and productivity.
Defining Shiftwork
Shiftwork can be defined as working outside the normal daylight hours. According to recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 13 percent of the United States' working population works evening, night, irregular, or rotating shifts. This represents about 15.5 million workers. Some companies have the standard, eighthour shift, while others have implemented 10- or 12-hour shifts. By working more hours per day, employees have the opportunity to have a shorter work week and to be off more days. This may seem more convenient to some employees, but working different types of shifts can affect their personal lives and create stress in their environment.
Stress can be defined as psychological and physiological reactions to situations in our environment. Our perception of stress and the situations causing the stress determine what our response will be to the stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes various diseases that are caused by stress, including: heart disease, hypertension, ulcers, colitis, anxiety, depression, allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, gout, migraines, glaucoma, epilepsy, hemorrhoids, asthma, acne, and back pain.
Employees working irregular schedules or shiftwork have increased levels of stress. Personal employee preference should be considered when determining shift schedules. Employees' satisfaction usually increases and their stress levels decline when they can participate in decision-making.
Sleep Schedules and Shift Rotation
With a changing or irregular shift, the immediate effect is a reduced amount of...