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How sleep habits shape employees’ health

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In today’s fast-paced world, the interplay between

sleep habits

,

hypertension

, and emotional well-being is becoming increasingly evident. Additionally, with the rise of remote work and the increasing pressure to excel in a competitive environment, stress and anxiety have become common issues affecting the mental and emotional well-being of Gen Z individuals.

According to a 2023 Deloitte survey involving 14,483

Gen Z individuals

across 44 nations, 46% experience constant anxiety and stress in the workplace. With the cases around anxiety and stress rising in corporate India, it has impacted the emotional wellbeing of individuals, making it crucial to recognize the impact of a healthy and supportive work environment on employee’s health.
Poor sleep habits, including midnight snacking and insufficient sleep, can significantly deteriorate

employee health

. This disruption to the body’s natural circadian rhythm, caused by sleep deprivation, triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that increases blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, disrupted circadian rhythms have a domino effect on our overall well-being. They influence our sleep patterns, metabolism, and hunger, making us more susceptible to cravings, especially for unhealthy choices like sugar or carb-heavy snacks. Stressful work days or personal problems can further exacerbate this cycle. Feeling overwhelmed can lead to emotional eating, which disrupts the circadian rhythm even more.
To manage this effectively, it is essential for the companies to shift from transactional to transformational approaches and mitigate the impact of stress and anxiety on employees, thereby managing hypertension and

morning grumpiness

. This can be achieved by ‘4P’ strategy:
1. Prioritizing Open Communication: First and foremost, it is essential to build trust and transparency within the workforce through open communication. This can be achieved through regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and open door policies to encourage employees to voice their needs and challenges. Through this employers can address issues promptly and prevent stress from escalating and contributing to hypertension.

2. Promoting Work-Life Balance:

Work-life balance

plays a critical role in preventing burnout and managing stress as it ensures employees have time to rest, pursue hobbies, and spend time with loved ones. This not only helps them reduce the overall stress caused by high-end deadlines and promote better sleep habits but also contributes to improved emotional well-being.
3. Plunging on Employee Development: When employees feel valued and see a clear path for their professional and personal development, they tend to experience less stress and anxiety caused by instability and insecurity. Employers can invest in employee development through training, mentoring and career development opportunities to not only enhance their skill sets but also boost morale and productivity, positively impacting overall health.

4. Providing Mental Health Support: Another key strategy is providing

mental health support

to manage

work-related stress

and manage overall emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals. Employers can provide access to counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness programs to create a stigma-free environment and encourage employees to seek help when needed. These resources can significantly reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
The connection between sleep habits, hypertension, and emotional well-being highlights the importance of a healthy and supportive work environment. By prioritizing open communication, work-life balance, employee development, mental health support, inclusivity, and teamwork, companies can effectively manage hypertension caused by work-related stress and anxiety. Shifting from transactional to transformational benefits is important in addressing the root causes of these health issues and developing a culture of well-being.
Inputs from: Dr Evelyn Raghel Thomas, Clinical Director – Employee Assistance Program, Truworth Wellness

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