One-third of Suffolk workers lose sleep due to job worry, Suffolk Mind data suggests
More than one-third of workers in Suffolk struggle to sleep due to job worries, new data has revealed.
Research by Suffolk Mind found 37 per cent of workers surveyed in 2024, about 742 people, had disturbed sleep owing to their work situation.
The figures came from the charity’s Emotional Needs Audit to mark World Mental Health Day, with a major theme of this year’s event hoping to shine a light on mental health in the workplace.
The data suggested sleep was the least-met of the 12 needs humans require to ensure mental wellbeing.
Jon Neal, chief executive, has called on employers to introduce mental health training to help support workers’ wellbeing, which he felt could be a boon to both employees and employers.
He said: “We spend a significant proportion of our lives at work, so it is no surprise it can have an effect on the quality of our sleep.
“We all know what it’s like to arrive at work when we aren’t feeling fully refreshed and it is something that employers should not ignore.
“It is important to stress that this isn’t just something that will help improve the wellbeing of staff, but increase productivity too. It really is a win-win.”
Mr Neal said the workplace was an environment where a lot of people’s emotional needs are met.
He said the charity would never suggest people should work less or be signed off with stress before attempting to find out what’s causing it.
As a result, he felt it was important that managers and employers were equipped to support people in meeting their needs.
Mr Neal said: “The great thing about providing mental health training in the workplace is that it doesn’t just equip staff with the tools to better understand their own mental health, but others too.
“Creating a supportive environment can make a real difference to the lives of those experiencing mental ill health and shows that their needs are being understood.”