Why Corporate India Needs to Foster Better Sleep Behaviour

In my professional journey of more than three decades, I have met people who are highly driven and at the peak of their careers, some others who want to prove their worth, and quite a few dedicated and steadfast to their professions. Of late, I have encountered a new breed of professionals — that of sleep deprived — and it leaves me concerned every time I meet them. It makes me wonder how organizations can foster an ecosystem that encourages better sleep behaviour to help them. The fast-paced lifestyle has introduced a culture wherein sleep is a luxury rather than a necessity. This has resulted in poor stress management and burnouts, a bunch of people who are not paying heed to their mental and physical well-being, in turn, hampering their productivity.

Quality sleep is often overlooked but is an extremely important factor in an employee’s well-being. Various pieces of research suggest that sleep deficiency at times directly impacts the mental and physical health of an employee. Also, not many are aware of the economic costs associated with insufficient sleep. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the US experiences the highest economic losses due to sleep deficiency of up to $411 billion a year. And I believe this is a growing concern in other economies, including India, as well. Sleep deprivation affects not only an individual’s productivity but also the overall economy. The decreased levels of productivity and efficiency, increased healthcare costs due to insufficient sleep, and higher rates of accidents can have negative economic implications for the country.

Further, studies and surveys also argue that lack of good sleep can affect decision-making abilities, impair problem-solving skills, decrease attention, and reduce working memory, leading to poor performance at work and reduced cognitive functions. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep-deprived individuals are also more likely to experience irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Therefore, it becomes imperative for Indian organizations to a) accept that there is a problem of sleep-deprived working professionals b) educate employees about sleep hygiene c) introduce seminars or workshops to de-stress, and d) encourage an open and friendly environment to discuss issues.

Many Indian organizations are doing their bit and running wellness programmes that can help employees improve their overall health, leading to better sleep practices. At Jindal Stainless, we host a weekly awareness session to help employees achieve emotional well-being and tackle personal and professional situations better. These regular wellness sessions encourage employees to unwind by adopting a healthy lifestyle, shun overthinking, and practice meditation to manage self and work better. The HR team also encourages employees to take regular breaks and provides relaxation areas where employees can rest and recharge. Such engaging wellness workshops are now being emulated by global corporations to encourage the mental well-being of employees at their respective workplaces.

When the renowned author Bruce Daisley said Eat! Sleep! Work! Repeat!, he should have emphasized more on the importance of overall well-being in today’s hustle culture. After all, the greatest wealth is health and you can perform so much better when you are mentally and physically fine. By prioritizing overall health, an individual can lead a better quality of life, both at work and at home. So do not shy away from taking a break, catching a good sleep, and starting a healthy lifestyle. 

The author of this article is the CHRO of Jindal Stainless - Mr Sushil Baveja