|
- ‘Worry’o’clock’ at 4.51 am as Sleepless Nights Effect Over Half the UK-
Research released today by printer manufacturer Lexmark reveals that the average British worker loses 71 hours of sleep a year due to work pressures.
The research also found that:
• On average it took people who woke up in the middle of the night, 1 hour 42 minutes of trying to fall asleep again
• 4.51 am is the time most people are awake worrying
• When they finally managed to nod off, nearly a third of people (30%) ended up dreaming about work
The study of over 1,500 British workers was commissioned by Lexmark to celebrate their latest range of home office all in ones which give professional results at home, allowing busy workers to be more productive and complete tasks in seconds.
24 Hour Working Nation
The study suggests that work-mad Brits find it difficult to switch off even when abroad on holiday. 15% boarded the plane weighed down with their laptops and email devices so they could log on while at the beach and kept their work mobile switched on throughout their ‘break.’
Back at home, 30% of British workers admitted to waking up on a Saturday and getting ready for work thinking it was a week day. Dialling 9 to get an outside line at home also appears a regular slip up for a quarter of Brits (25%). A further 2% owned up to absent-mindedly calling their partner by their bosses name.
Sunday Night Syndrome
The results showed that not only are workers unable to switch off at night, over a third (41%) spend the weekend worrying about their work pressures. Nearly one in ten (7%) confessed to getting that queasy ‘back to work’ feeling as early as midday on Sunday with a further 6% getting the pre-work jitters the minute they’ve polished off their Sunday roast.
As well as losing sleep, findings showed our personal lives are suffering as well. 19% confessed to missing important family occasions such as loved ones birthdays, whilst more than one in four (28%) office workers had cancelled important doctor and dentist appointments due to work commitments.
Lightening the Load
While some feel technology can occasionally be a burden, 95 % of busy Brits rely on it to ease the pressure of day to day work tasks, helping alleviate stress. Mobile email devices and laptops are indispensable to 10% of Brits who use them to clear their inbox when on the move; or get away from the office early, saving valuable hours each day. 40% of Brits felt that being able to work from home from time to time allowed them to escape the daily commute and the stress of the office, while helping them to stay on top of heavy work loads. Flexible working hours proved invaluable to one in five (20%) of Brits helping them to complete their tasks more efficiently.
Occupational Psychologist Judi James commented on the study:
“The survey shows that work pressures and heavy work loads can cause many British workers to lose valuable sleep. With the help of technology, busy workers can now create an office at home and stay in touch on the move, enabling us to work when we are most efficient and stay on top of our work load outside office hours. This increased flexibility means that British workers can finish work off when they are most productive and ensures they are able to switch off and sleep soundly in the knowledge that the bulk of their work is complete.”
ends –
About Lexmark
Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) makes it easier for businesses and consumers to move information between the digital and paper worlds. Since its inception in 1991, Lexmark has become a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of printing and imaging solutions for customers in more than 150 countries. Lexmark reported $5.2 billion in revenue in 2005, and can be found on the Internet at www.lexmark.com.
Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Methodology: This survey has been conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov plc GB panel of 115,000+ individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. An email was sent to panellists selected at random from the base sample according to the sample definition, "GB office workers," inviting them to take part in the survey and providing a link to the survey. 1, 648 workers were sampled between the 17th and 21st August.
For further information please contact:
Gemma Cohen
Red Consultancy
Tel: 0207 025 6434
Email: gemma.cohen@redconsultancy.com
|
