- The Sleep Charity launches new Workplace Sleep Ambassadors programme to help firms tackle sleep-related issues in workforce
- Study finds that more than quarter of Brits have called in sick at least once in last three months due to bad night’s sleep
- Several household names from across sectors and industries have already enrolled on the programme
A revolutionary new Workplace Sleep Ambassadors programme has been launched to support UK businesses and organisations in tackling one of the leading causes of mental health issues in the workplace.
Delivered by the The Sleep Charity, the national charity empowering the nation to sleep better, the programme aims to address concerns following the revelation that 200,000 working days are lost every year due to insufficient sleep, costing the UK economy millions and causing major disruption for employers battling back to normality following 18 months of covid chaos.
The Workplace Ambassadors initiative delivers training that empowers staff members to support their colleagues in achieving a better night’s sleep.
The training is delivered as a mixture of pre-recorded study and live sessions, and helps ambassadors develop their understanding of the leading causes of sleep issues, the facts and fiction surrounding a good night’s sleep and practical support strategies.
A recent Sleep Charity study, conducted in partnership with Furniture Village, found that 28% of Brits have called in sick at least once due to having a bad night’s sleep during the last three months, while nearly two-thirds (64%) say they have felt overwhelmed at work due to a lack of sleep.
A further 41% say they have left their camera off for a work Zoom call due to not sleeping well, 67% admit they’re more likely to snap at colleagues, while 59% say their attention span has been negatively affected.
In total, 40% of UK employees are estimated to suffer issues with sleep.
The new Workplace Sleep Ambassadors programme has been created to help bring those numbers down, and ensure companies are providing adequate support to employees battling sleep-related issues.
Waitrose, Premier Inn, John Lewis and Holland & Barratt are among the household UK brands to enrol on the programme so far.
The Sleep Charity deputy CEO Lisa Artis said: “Our new Workplace Sleep Ambassadors programme addresses a very tangible and evidenced issue that is affecting workplaces and organisations throughout the UK.
“The programme provides everything an organisation needs to reduce workplace issues related to a lack of sleep, empowering staff members to conquer their sleep issues, become more productive members of the team and boost their own health and wellbeing.”
Holland & Barratt Divisional Sales Trainer Amy Rowlands said: “The Sleep Ambassador training was
so empowering.
“As well as being able to fully understand the importance of sleep, I now have the confidence and the tools to be able to support my colleagues with their own journeys around sleep.”
This was echoed by Sally Hulse, the wellbeing, diversity and inclusion coordinator at RSK, who added: “Great training sessions and resources! The interactive webinar opened my eyes to the large variety of contributing factors to sleep problems, and gave an insight into how I can educate and offer support to colleagues in the workplace.
“We have already started to implement the resources and start the conversation regarding the importance of sleep.”
To learn more about the Workplace Sleep Ambassadors programme, visit – https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/workplace/workplace-sleep-ambassadors/
