4/9/2014. We ve all done it. Employers and Shift work: Financial loss. Presented by: Janet Hilkemann, RN, MHA, LNC, CPHRM

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "4/9/2014. We ve all done it. Employers and Shift work: Financial loss. Presented by: Janet Hilkemann, RN, MHA, LNC, CPHRM"

Jody Whitehead
5 years ago
Views:

loss Employee turnover Lower productivity Increased human error

1 Shift work: A Balancing Act Presented by: Janet Hilkemann, RN, MHA, LNC, CPHRM We ve all done it 2 Employers and Shift work: Financial loss Employee turnover Lower productivity Increased human error Absenteeism Healthcare costs Costs related to Workers Compensation 3 1

2 Our objectives for today: Identify that shift work can negatively effect workers health. Identify the potential causes of the negative effects of shift work. Learn what we can do to help resolve the negative effects. 4 How shift workers differ from other workers: They have higher rates of Adaptation difficulties Performance issues Relationship or family issues 5 How shift workers differ from other workers: They have higher rates of Health issues Heart disease High blood pressure Diabetes Gastrointestinal problems Weight gain Substance abuse Depression Miscarriage, pre-term birth, low birth rate Correlation to prostate, colon and breast cancer 6 2

3 Frank Scheer PhD, Neuroscientist Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women s Hospital There is strong evidence that shift work is related to a number of serious health conditions, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. These differences we re seeing can t just be explained by lifestyle or socioeconomic status. 7 Lifestyle Biology 8 Maybe our biological rhythms have something to do with it Unlike this mammal 9 3

10 Normal sleep/wake cycle 11 Chronic lack of sleep can lead to: Faster aging

and errors of omission Memory impairment and slower thinking Irritability,

High blood pressure Decreased ability to handle stress, maintain immune system

4 10 Normal sleep/wake cycle 11 Chronic lack of sleep can lead to: Faster aging Minimal restoration of physical and mental functioning More mistakes/accidents and errors of omission Memory impairment and slower thinking Irritability, impatience, anxiousness, apathy or depression Insomnia Reduced productivity High blood pressure Decreased ability to handle stress, maintain immune system and digest food. Long term health issues due to gradual accumulation of sleep debt. 12 4

5 Impairment 13 Symptoms of sleep disorder: Insomnia Disrupted sleep schedule Reduced performance Difficulties in personal relationships Irritability/depressed mood 14 #1 thing to do: Increase AWARENESS 15 5

6 Coping Avoid long commutes and extended hours. If possible, take short nap breaks throughout the shift. Work with others to help you stay alert. Try to be active during breaks (take a walk, shoot hoops, exercise that s possible where you work.) 16 Coping Drink a caffeinated beverage to help maintain alertness during the shift. Don t leave the most tedious or boring tasks to the end of your shift when you are apt to feel the drowsiest. Night shift workers are the most sleepy around 4-5 a.m. Exchange ideas with your colleagues on ways to cope with the problems of shift work. (National Sleep Foundation) 17 Tips for sleeping during the day: Wear dark glasses to block out the sunlight on your way home. Keep to the same bedtime and wake time schedule, even on weekends. Eliminate noise and light from your sleep environment (use eye masks and ear plugs.) Avoid caffeinated beverages and food close to bedtime. Avoid alcohol; although it may seem to improve sleep initially, tolerance develops quickly and it will soon disturb sleep. 18 6

7 More tips for sleeping during the day: Limit the use of television, computer and phone screens. Light from these screen can give off a sunlight effect and keep you awake. A good rule of thumb is to not view any screens an hour before going to bed. Reduce sounds. Turn on a fan or white noise machine to block out sounds and create a neutral calming sounds. Turn off all cell phones. Keep your sleeping area cool degrees. Avoid foods particularly heavy, spicy, sugary foods before you sleep. 19 Shift Work Strategies: Exercise A regular time for exercise will help resist stress, illness and sleep. Diet Protein for wakefulness and alertness Carbohydrates for relaxation and sleepiness Get plenty of fluids Eat between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. regardless of shift Keep a regular eating schedule. It will prevent your body from becoming stressed by erratic eating patterns and prevent overeating 20 Shift Work Strategies: Caffeine, alcohol and other drugs Moderate use of caffeine before or the early part of the shift. Alcohol will ultimately interfere with your sleep. Do NOT rely on the use of sleeping pills. Cut down on smoking due to the stimulant effect. Consult with your doctor as needed. 21 7

8 Shift Work Strategies: Family, social and domestic Convey to family: We are in this together. Anticipate potential problems ahead of time with solutions. Clearly and firmly communicate sleeping hours. Socialize AFTER sleep/rest Do errands, projects and chores AFTER sleep/rest. Evaluate your desire for extra money 22 Wrap up: Identify that shift work can negatively effect workers health. Identify the potential causes of the negative effects of shift work. Learn what we can do to help resolve the negative effects. 23 #1 thing to do: Increase AWARENESS 24 8

9 Thank You! Janet Hilkemann, RN, MHA, LNC, CPHRM Senior Consultant, Loss Prevention Workers Compensation Insurance Services Coverys

Let s Sleep On It: Developing a Healthy Sleep Pattern. The Presenter. Session Overview

Let s Sleep On It: Developing a Healthy Sleep Pattern The Presenter Gina Crome Gina has extensive personnel management experience, acting as Director of Implementation at CME Incorporated and Director