Why a good night’s sleep is good for business
Find out how discouraging late-night work emails and promoting the “right to disconnect” can help employees to adopt healthier sleep habits.
Whether it’s looming work deadlines, big life changes or too much screen time, there are many things that could be keeping your employees up at night.
According to a new report from Vitality and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), only 10% of individuals have optimal sleep patterns, and one in three adults don’t get enough sleep[1].
The report also noted that, based on the Britain’s Healthiest Workplace research, length of sleep is not the only problem, but sleep quality too. In fact, around four in 10 survey respondents reported concerns about the quality of their rest[1].
A lack of good quality sleep can clearly take its toll on individuals – but is it having an impact on businesses too?
Why a good night’s sleep is good for business
According to research, poor or insufficient sleep can increase the likelihood of a person feeling tired during the day, which can then impact health, mood and productivity[1].
Vitality and LSE’s report also noted that chronic sleep loss can increase the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, depression and early death[1].
Additionally, research has found that employees who regularly don’t sleep enough lose the equivalent of 6.4 productive days a year through absenteeism and presenteeism[1].
Between 2014 and 2023, nearly 90% of all lost productivity was caused by presenteeism [2], a figure which could have huge and costly implications for employers.
How employers can support better sleep patterns
Although in most sectors employees sleep outside of working hours, employers can play a crucial role in helping their staff to foster healthier sleep habits.
For example, organisations can build a “right to disconnect” culture, allowing employees to step away from work-related communications outside of work hours.
With hybrid or remote working environments and technology enabling instant communication, the lines between personal and professional life have become blurred, making it more difficult for some to switch off[3].
By discouraging late-night work emails and calls and introducing automatic prompts to remind employees to send work messages within working hours, employers can help set clearer boundaries and prevent an ‘always-on’ culture.
Crucially, for this approach to work, managers must act as role models – setting clear, healthy boundaries and demonstrating that the organisation genuinely wants them to switch off.
Inside the office, quiet rooms or recharge spaces can also help to promote short rest breaks throughout the day but, of course, this shouldn’t act as a substitute for a good night’s sleep.
Additionally, tools such as the Headspace app, which is available to Vitality members every plan year, can give employees access to hundreds of meditations, mindfulness exercises, sleepcasts and soundscapes on the app to help encourage a good night’s sleep.
Practical tips to help employees improve their sleep
While employers can take steps to help employees set healthier boundaries and improve sleep patterns, there are practical actions employees can take themselves too.
Blue light from screens delays melatonin release, impacting natural circadian rhythms[1]. Therefore, reducing screen time in the hour before bed could be a good idea to help your body to wind down[1].
Setting a consistent bedtime and creating sleep-friendly environments (such as a cool, dark and quiet bedroom)[1], can also be effective strategies for employees to adopt.
For those wanting to keep tabs on their sleep patterns, wearable devices can be an effective way for employees to track their sleep.
While employees can adopt some of these strategies to help improve their own sleep, it’s crucial for employers to create cultures that enable employees to switch off from work and properly wind down in the evening.
Get access to offers on fitness trackers
Aside from tracking sleep patterns, wearable devices can also help your employees to measure their daily fitness efforts.
Through Vitality, members can access savings on a wide range of activity trackers, earning Vitality points by working out at a partner gym, joining Parkrun or completing daily steps through a linked activity tracker.
The link between movement and sleep – and how employers can help
At the same time, employers can also provide opportunities to increase physical activity in the workplace. Whether it’s a step-based challenge or a team run-club, regular exercise can help employees to get a better night’s rest.
“Movement and sleep are very much linked,” explains Jonny Kibble, Head of Physical Activity and Exercise at Vitality.
“Getting enough exercise throughout the day can help improve our sleep quality and perform more optimally during physical activity,” Kibble adds.
From doing more physical exercise to setting consistent bedtime routines and reducing screen time before bed, there are plenty of strategies employees can adopt to help improve sleep regimes.
With research finding that better sleep can help improve health, longevity and productivity[1], maintaining good sleep patterns can be a win-win for both employees and businesses.
[2] 10 Years of Britain's Healthiest Workplace: the changing face of the UK at work, 2025
Related: Why supporting employee health is good for business
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