Rotational shifts: how they affect motivation

Tired workers are less effective on the job, as those who work in rotating shifts And so, no doubt, do their supervisors and managers. The explanation is simple: human beings are programmed to be awake during the day and sleep at night.

Our internal clock governs our physical and mental well-being. Internal and external cues - light, exercise, food, work and social schedules - keep the clock on time. But when we force the biological clock to run at a different pace, we ignore its natural cadence, we start to realise that we are not functioning properly and we lose motivation.

Rotating shifts are full of tired people.. And it is they who make mistakes at work. Fatigue undermines intellectual and emotional functioning. It also causes serious health and family problems. But there are companies that operate 24/7 and cannot do without this model of work organisation.

What happens to people who work rotating shifts?

People do not operate as well at night. After several nights, they can start to suffer from the consequences of insomnia. An out-of-sync biological clock, as well as lack of sleep, cause problems, which can cost companies large sums of money.

Shift workers are in constant conflict between caring for their own biological needs and their family and social life. When they sign the contract agreeing to work rotating shifts They exchange their sleep for other things.

In exchange for a salary, some perks and social status, some give up their health, worsen family relationships and lose quality of life. Chronic illnesses, labour unrest, absenteeism and problems at home are some of the side effects of neglecting what is important. Motivation is lost, and with it, productivity, commitment and the desire to contribute to a good working environment.

Because health comes first, and taking care of it is not incompatible with rotating shifts? However, all parties concerned: employee - family - employer must be committed to making an effort to ensure that the decision to work under such conditions does not involve paying too high a price.

How can the company promote the well-being of workers on rotating shifts?

Companies can contribute to helping employees on rotating shifts adapt to their new lifestyles.. To do so, they must be specifically attuned to the special needs of these workers, which they achieve:

1. Improving shift work schedules.
2. Ensuring that there is sufficient rest time between leaving work and returning to work.
3. Empowering workers and their families to cope with the changes in their lifestyle.
4. Informing workers that, if they want to stay healthy and productive, they must adopt new patterns of sleep, eating, exercise and social interaction.
5. Providing adequate working conditions in workplaces.
6. Making healthy food options available to workers (nutrition plays an important role in the well-being and health of employees on rotating shifts).
7. Offering solutions that increase staff motivation, such as flexible remuneration, which increases their purchasing power at no extra cost to the company.

Do you know if there are options for a mid-shift snack, and are the vending machines full or empty at night? Are the company's facilities open to employees on rotating shifts or are there restrictions? Is the lighting adequate, is the temperature suitable, is the access safe, and is the access secure? There is a lot to be done to ensure the well-being of the employees who make the company available to its customers at all times.Why not start with simple, but effective solutions to boost motivation? Do you know about the FOOD programme and Ticket RestaurantHave you considered the flexible compensation?