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Three million now do night shifts

Three million now do night shifts

The TUC reports that over three million workers now work at night as part of their normal routine, but their wellbeing needs are being underestimated. The impact on physical and emotional health can be significant, and there are added pressures that make night working problematic.

Families become time-shifted, often with caring divided between parents who work on different shift patters; workplace resources that a daytime worker takes for granted (access to HR, finance, IT etc) are less likely to be available; and sleep patterns are gravely disturbed – research from Oxford University’s sleep neuroscience department has shown how light and dark pay a crucial role in sleep management.

“When night work is part of a rotating shift system the hazards are even more notable – there is a substantial body of evidence that shift working creates increased risk of diabetes, obesity and heart problems. Through our 24/7 EAP and wellness services we engage with and support night workers working across a range of areas.  These include professional and elementary workers from hospitals, banks, warehouses, IT departments, care homes, haulage companies and factories.  Recognising the importance of providing expert services to night workers we have also identified steps employers and employees can take to mitigate some of the risks.

Provide and engage with programmes that teach sleep habits. Of all the problems associated with night working, sleep is the most significant because, when it is well managed, the other hazards reduce. Ensure employees have access to immediate emotional support when they need it, round the clock. 20 minutes on the phone to an Employee Assistance counsellor can reduce anxiety and identify helpful steps the employee can take, as well as identifying other sources of help. The positive effect on employee wellbeing and productivity can be immediate.

Be rigorous in monitoring working hours. UK legislation says that night workers cannot work more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period, averaged over a number of weeks, and that workers cannot opt out of this directive. Employers should also encourage workers to take self-care decisions that don’t involve working beyond these parameters. Make sure that senior management and professional resources (HR, Payroll etc) are available to night workers without requiring them to disturb their daytime sleep to make contact.

Employees are advised to do some of the physical activities that other people might do in the daytime – walk, cycle, jog, exercise. Make a conscious effort to treat the night-time as others treat the day. Take proper breaks – ‘lunch’ at 3am may sound wrong but adequate nutrition is essential. Eat smaller portions, though, because a heavy meal in the middle of the night can make a person feel tired and sluggish and can add to recognised problems of obesity and heart conditions. Keep social contacts active. When people’s lives are time-shifted it is easy to miss out on social interaction outside of work but this is an essential component of emotional health.”

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