Sleep apnea is a silent disruptor that affects up to 26% of Canadian adults. This means that within any organization, a significant portion of the workforce could be battling untreated sleep-disordered breathing, and the ripple effects are more extensive than you might think.
While the personal health risks of poor sleep are well-documented, the consequences stretch far beyond the individual, significantly impacting businesses and the broader economy. Poor sleep costs the Canadian economy billions of dollars annually in lost productivity. Let’s dive into how untreated sleep issues affect your team and what you can do.
Productivity Takes a Hit
A lack of quality sleep undermines focus, decision-making, and creativity. Employees who aren’t well-rested are more likely to:
- Miss deadlines
- Produce lower-quality work
- Experience burnout
These issues compound over time, creating a snowball effect that hurts not only the individual but the team and overall company performance. Sleep-deprived employees are often working at a reduced capacity, making it difficult to achieve long-term business goals.
Increased Absenteeism and Healthcare Costs
The relationship between poor sleep and increased absenteeism is clear. Employees dealing with sleep deprivation are more likely to call in sick or take extended leaves for mental and physical health concerns. This can drive up healthcare costs and strain already stretched teams.
Common sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), contribute to a host of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. Addressing these underlying problems can have a transformative effect on overall well-being and attendance.
Why Businesses Should Care
Investing in sleep health isn’t just about caring for your employees; it’s about protecting your bottom line. Research shows that well-rested employees:
- Have sharper focus and better problem-solving skills
- Are more engaged and motivated
- Report higher morale and job satisfaction
By supporting your team’s sleep health, you’re creating a work environment where people can thrive—and that leads to better outcomes for everyone.
How to Help Employees Sleep Better
As a leader, you can take proactive steps to support sleep health in your organization:
- Encourage Education: Share resources about the importance of sleep and common sleep disorders like OSA.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Ensure your team has manageable workloads and the flexibility to prioritize rest.
- Partner with Experts: Collaborate with sleep care providers to offer screenings or consultations for sleep-disordered breathing.
- Lead by Example: Set a culture of prioritizing health by respecting boundaries and avoiding after-hours communications.
Let’s Talk Solutions
At Sleep Therapeutics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. Our expert team can help your employees address their sleep challenges, leading to better health, improved productivity, and a stronger bottom line for your business.
Ready to empower your team with the gift of better sleep? Contact our Sleep First Team and let’s work together to create a healthier, more productive workplace.
