Thursday, July 27, 2006

Wake-Up Call

If you're grumpy about your work and tired of your job, perhaps it's because you're just plain tired.

That's the word from a University of Florida study that finds sleep-deprived workers are more likely to be dissatisfied. Women were more likely to be fatigued and less attentive to work, according to Brent Scott, whose research is scheduled to appear in an upcoming Journal of Management article.

Employees who had had a good night's rest reported higher job satisfaction overall. Sleep-deprived workers are less likely to pitch in and help colleagues.

The research is based on 45 workers who each day for three weeks reported on their job satisfaction, emotions, sleep and other issues.

"A poor night of sleep is associated with increased hostility and fatigue, decreased joviality (happiness) and attentiveness, and decreased job satisfaction," Scott said in an e-mail.

He suggested employers help by allowing flexible schedules and wellness programs. Help yourself by exercising and skipping the alcohol and caffeine.

He didn't mention naps but, yawn, those can help, too.

-- Vickie Elmer