How To Manage Fatigue in the Hospitality Industry.

Managing fatigue in the hospitality industry is a common issue that represents both a risk and a cost to operators.

The pressure for results and a more efficient workplace means that fatigue is a problem that is increasing amongst the industry workforce and therefore needs to be addressed.

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is an ongoing state of tiredness that goes beyond feeling tired or drowsy. It leads to mental or physical exhaustion which means workers aren't able to go about their work as they would normally.

Causes of fatigue

Fatigued can be cause by work and lifestyle factors or a combination of them both and occurs over a period of time.

Work related causes of fatigue

·     Roster patterns
·     Length of shifts
·     Work scheduling and planning
·     Length of time worked
·     Timing of shifts (e.g. night shift)
·     Recovery time between shifts
·     Period of time awake
·     Work environment
·     Job demands
·     Mentally or physically demanding work
·     Rest breaks

Lifestyle related causes of fatigue

·     Quality of sleep
·     Length of sleep
·     Social life
·     Family demands
·     Other employment
·     Travel time
·     Sleep disorders

Effects of fatigue

The effects of fatigue can be both short and long term and can effect the individual as well as the business. 

Short term effects of fatigue

For the individual, fatigue can hamper the ability to:

·      Concentrate and avoid distraction
·      Think laterally and analytically
·      Make decisions
·      Remember and recall events
·      Maintain vigilance
·      Control emotions
·      Appreciate complex situations
·      Recognise risks
·      Coordinate hand-eye movements
·      Communicate effectively
·      React
·      Perceive distance, depth and speed 
·      Engage with others

For the business this increases the likelihood of:

·      Error rates
·      Accidents and injuries
·      Employees arriving late for work
·      Unplanned absences

Long term

For the individual the long-term consequences of fatigue include:

·      Heart disease
·      Diabetes
·      High blood pressure
·      Gastrointestinal issues
·      Anxiety
·      Depression

Managing Fatigue

Managing mental and physical demands of work

·      Ensure appropriate machinery and equipment e.g. anti-fatigue mats
·      Design jobs that have a variety of physical and mental tasks
·      Job rotations
·      Rest periods
·      Plan for busy periods or an unexpected increase in work hours

Managing work schedules

·      Schedule any hazardous work outside the period between 2am and 6pm.
·      Avoid incentives that encourage employees to work excessive hours
·      Provide adequate breaks between shifts
·      Work demands should gradually increase towards the middle of the shift and then reduce towards the end
·      Align shift times with the availability of public transport or provide alternative transport after long shifts

Managing environmental conditions 

·      Reduce work times during periods of extreme heat
·      Install appropriate heating and cooling devices
·      Provide adequate break facilities

Managing factors outside the workplace

·      Introduce a workplace policy to manage fatigue
·      Provide staff training

Why manage fatigue?

Hospitality businesses stand to gain financially if they are better able to manage fatigue in the workplace. This can come in the form of increase morale, less sick leave, a lower number of workplace incident and reducing the likelihood of fines and court proceedings.

As always we'd love to hear from you. What process has your business implemented that reduce the likelihood of fatigue in your workplace?

(Via: Worksafe Victoria; Worksafe Australia; NSW Work Cover; Hospitality Magazine.)