Recent research from staffing firm Accountemps suggests feeling worn out at work is a common occurrence among US employees. Seventy-four percent of professionals reported they operate while tired at least somewhat often.

Workers were asked, “How often do you work while tired?” Their responses:

  • Very often: 31%
  • Somewhat often: 43%
  • Not very often: 24%
  • Never: 2%

Working While Tired

According to the research, the sleepiest city is Nashville, followed by Austin, Denver, and Indianapolis.

“Though often overlooked, sleep is a critical component of producing good work. Errors and ineffectiveness can occur when team members are running on empty,” says Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps, in a release. “Consider the underlying causes of why employees are sleepy. If it’s because they’re stretched too thin, retention issues could soon follow.”

Accountemps offers the following tips to minimize working tired:

For Employers:

  1. Set a good example by working reasonable hours. Come to the office with adequate sleep and encourage your team to unplug after they leave the office.
  2. Meet with your employees regularly to discuss their current projects and where they may need support.
  3. Bring in temporary professionals to ensure staff aren’t overloaded or feel they need to put in overtime.

For Employees:

  1. Ask for help before you burn out; your manager may be able to assist you with prioritizing or delegating tasks.
  2. Leave work at the office door so you can recharge. Try going for a walk or attending a yoga class to clear your mind.
  3. Don’t bring your phone or laptop to bed. This can help ensure you get a restful night’s sleep and wake up refreshed.

The online survey was developed by Accountemps and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 2,800 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments in 28 major US cities.