Research Summary. There’s nothing worse than exhaustion in the workplace, and it’s a huge problem in the US. From stress and anxiety to terrifying family obligations, we’ve surveyed the main causes of workplace exhaustion in the US, as well as how we most often cope. According to our research:
Stress is the number 1 factor contributing to reduced sleep, with 64% of workers saying it keeps them from sleeping.
Caffiene is the most common coping mechanism for exhaustion, with 71% of Americans using it for that purpose.
76% of workers are frequently tired at work.
Feeling tired?
Turns out that you’re not alone: All your coworkers on their third cup of coffee are just as exhausted.
It begs the question, why are we all so sleepy? And what do the rows of sleep-deprived employees mean for the workplace?
Quick Facts
Keep reading to see why workers are absolutely exhausted– and how they’re coping with their fatigue.
Why are workers so tired?
64% of workers say stress keeps them from getting sufficient sleep. That is followed by 51% of workers being kept up by anxiety and 44% who suffer from insomnia and other sleep issues.
Ultimately, it seems mental health and mental burden play a significant role in the 76% of workers who are frequently sleep deprived at work. While some of that stress is likely personal in nature, others report work-related issues are responsible for their lack of sleep.
1-in-4 workers attribute their lack of sleep to worry over work. 19% find it difficult to get sufficient sleep due to working too many hours, while 16% say their irregular work schedules make it difficult to get a full night’s (or day’s) rest.
How Do Workers Cope With Exhaustion?
Workplace exhaustion can not only be unpleasant and make work difficult, but it can also be downright dangerous in certain professions. The majority of workers attempt to cope with their exhaustion in a variety of ways.
The number 1 method is caffeine consumption, with 71% of workers admitting it’s how they compensate for exhaustion at work. In comparison far fewer workers, only 35% head to the vending machines for some energizing snacks.
Workers try a number of other methods to aid in their productivity, including power naps and walks. However, a not insignificant number of workers admit to trying to survive the workday by skirting productivity.
1-in-4 workers take more frequent breaks from work in an attempt to restore focus. 22% just flat out do less work or avoid tasks altogether. 10% go as far as to push back deadlines due to exhaustion making it difficult or impossible to meet them.
METHODOLOGY
Zippia.com, a career resource website, conducted a study of 1,500 workers across the US to better understand worker exhaustion in the workplace.
Each respondent was asked an identical series of questions.
The survey was conducted in September 2021, using Clickworker’s Survey platform
There’s a reason so many workplaces provide coffee
A staggering 76% of workers are frequently tired at work. While jokes about tiredness may get some chuckles around the water cooler, workplace fatigue has genuine consequences- both for workplace productivity and worker satisfaction.
Companies can help combat exhaustion by providing a good work-life balance, reasonable shifts, and workloads that don’t strain worker sanity.
These measures might just help deadlines be met on time and have fewer workers blinking at their computer screens like zombies. It sounds like a win-win.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
