There is a linear negative impact on psychological safety when the CEO and their reports are sleep deprived. 

As little as a 45-minute sleep debt can induce a 5-10% reduction in mental control of CEOs. It also leads to a significant reduction in psychological safety of up to 30%, as assessed by the CEO’s direct reports.  

When we first started investigating sleep deprivation as a risk factor in the workplace, we found that few individuals reported they were low-risk and had enough sleep. Conversely, nearly half the workforce reported they were sleep deprived. This meant that the workforce was at increased, high, or substantial risk. These findings are supported by other studies that highlight that over 40% of Aussie workforces are turning up to work in a state of sleep deprivation. This had to change. The risks were too great. The potential cost too great. The long-term impact on employees is profound. 

It has also been reported that 66% of business leaders are dissatisfied with the amount of sleep they get. In contrast only 13% of people report that they awake rested. 

Further research has found that between 43-46% of company leaders are operating below their peak due to lack of sleep.  

While accepting that sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on individuals and business – our findings indicate it can be improved. We assess both quality and quantity of sleep. Most employees (85-100%) reporting they are low-risk and happy with their quality of sleep.  

However, it is a different story when assessing the quantity of sleep. Individuals (33%), when first assessed, reported they were in the high and substantially high-risk zones for sleep deprivation.  

Following a tailored intervention and ongoing support over a 12-month period sleep quantity improved. Those in the high and substantially high-risk zones dropped from 33% to 17%. In addition, those in the low-risk zones increased from 36% to 65%.  

We continue to see a consistent improvement in sleep deprivation when those in need undertake a targeted approach. It is a slow process and best done with an integrated health, wellbeing and performance program as sleep matters are linked to other risk factors and life events. 

Many individuals report that they can “survive” on fewer hours sleep than recommended. We do appreciate that there are individual differences but a regular 7.5-9.0-hour sleep per night is still recommended.  

As this Risk Report hits the inboxes, some preliminary findings with a long-term client suggest that after an intensive 24-month program focused on mitigating sleep deprivation there will be around 85% of their employees in the low-risk zones and a mere 5% in the high-risk zones.  

These data suggest that sleep patterns can be improved. It can be done. It also improves the psychological safety within the business. 

Contact us if you wish to monitor the sleep patterns of your team and improve psychological safety.