Yawning productivity gap costs UK firms £40bn a year

Marketers might sometimes stand accused of sleeping on the job – especially when it comes to gaining the right skills – but it seems sleep deprivation is a much bigger problem, costing UK businesses an estimated £40bn a year in productivity losses.

That is according to a report from University College London, led by Dr Gillian Weston, which suggests that economic growth is being compromised as a result of millions of individuals suffering from insufficient kip.

In addition to a myriad of health-related problems – including mental health issues, links to chronic diseases such as diabetes, and work-related injuries – poor sleep can also lead to reduced concentration levels, impaired decision-making, and a general decline in cognitive abilities.

Left unaddressed, this not only leads to increased levels of absenteeism for employers and a diminished workforce, but it further strains the already stretched healthcare system, Dr Weston maintains.

Registered nutritionist Melissa Snover, who is CEO and founder of Nourished, said: “Sleep is a key pillar of both physical and mental health, and the consequences of poor sleep extend beyond just individual wellbeing, as evidenced by the UCL study.

“Proper nutrition, involving high impact nutrients, vitamins, and superfoods, can play a vital role in mitigating the adverse effects of poor sleep – especially when we take the time to understand our bodies and make informed, personalised decisions.

“As we prioritise quality sleep and nutritional well-being, we pave the way for a more resilient and thriving economy.”