The Hidden Impact of Daylight Saving on Your Team’s Performance
As the clocks spring forward on Sunday 29 September in New Zealand, many of us look forward to the longer, lighter evenings that daylight saving brings.
However, for business leaders, it’s crucial to understand that the start of daylight saving is more than just a minor inconvenience of losing an hour of sleep. The time change can have significant effects on cognitive and physical functions, impacting your team’s performance in ways that might not be immediately obvious.
The Cognitive Impact: Why Losing an Hour Matters
You might think that losing just one hour of sleep isn’t a big deal. However, research consistently shows that even a small disruption to our sleep patterns can have a ripple effect on our cognitive functions. The day after the clocks go forward, many of us feel groggy, sluggish, and less focused—this isn’t just in our heads.
The science backs it up. When we lose an hour of sleep, our bodies experience a kind of mini jet lag. The sudden shift in our internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, can lead to a decrease in alertness, slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making abilities. For your team, this could mean a dip in productivity, an increase in mistakes, and even a higher risk of workplace accidents.
Consider this: studies have shown that on the Monday after daylight saving starts, there’s a noticeable spike in traffic accidents and workplace injuries. This is a clear indicator of how significantly our cognitive functions are impacted by the time change. As a business leader, it’s important to recognise these potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.
Physical Effects: More Than Just Feeling Tired
Beyond the cognitive impact, daylight saving can also take a toll on our physical wellbeing. The sudden loss of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a weakened immune system. Over time, this can make your employees more susceptible to colds and other illnesses, especially as we transition from winter to spring—a time when many of us are already dealing with seasonal changes.
Moreover, the disruption to our sleep patterns can interfere with our body’s ability to recover from physical exertion. For employees who are already under stress or working in physically demanding roles, this could lead to an increased risk of burnout or injury.
It’s also worth noting that some people are more sensitive to these changes than others. For those who already struggle with sleep issues or have underlying health conditions, the impact of daylight saving can be even more pronounced. As a leader, being aware of these differences and understanding that not everyone adjusts to the time change at the same rate can help you provide better support to your team.
Emotional Wellbeing: The Invisible Strain
In addition to the cognitive and physical effects, the start of daylight saving can also have a subtle but significant impact on emotional wellbeing. The disruption to our sleep can exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and mood swings. This is particularly relevant in a workplace setting, where stress levels can already be high due to deadlines, workloads, and other pressures.
When employees are tired and out of sync with their natural rhythms, they’re more likely to feel irritable, frustrated, and overwhelmed. This can lead to increased tension in the workplace, strained relationships, and a decrease in overall job satisfaction.
As a business leader, it’s important to recognise that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Supporting your team through the transition to daylight saving can help them maintain a positive outlook and stay resilient in the face of challenges.
What can you do to support your team?
Here are some practical steps you can take to support your employees through this transition.
1. Encourage Gradual Adjustment to Sleep Schedules
One of the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of daylight saving is to encourage your team to gradually adjust their sleep schedules in the days leading up to the time change. By going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each night for a few days before the clocks change, employees can help their bodies ease into the new schedule.
As a leader, you can set an example by talking about your own efforts to adjust your sleep schedule and sharing tips with your team. You might also consider offering flexible working hours on the Monday after daylight saving starts, allowing employees to come in a bit later if they need to catch up on rest.
2. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits
In addition to adjusting sleep schedules, it’s important to promote healthy sleep habits in general. Encourage your team to prioritise sleep by creating a bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bed, and keeping their sleeping environment cool and comfortable.
You can also provide resources such as articles or workshops (ask me about my 90 minute “Sleep as a Superpower” workshop!) on the importance of sleep and how to improve sleep quality. By fostering a culture that values rest and recovery, you can help your team stay healthy and perform at their best, even during the daylight saving transition.
3. Foster a Supportive Workplace Culture
Finally, it’s important to foster a supportive workplace culture that recognises the challenges of daylight saving and provides space for employees to adjust. This might mean being more understanding if someone is a bit more tired or less focused than usual, or offering extra support to those who are struggling.
Consider checking in with your team members individually to see how they’re feeling and if there’s anything you can do to help them through the transition. Small gestures like providing healthy snacks, organising a group walk during lunch to get some sunlight, or simply acknowledging the impact of the time change can go a long way in making your team feel supported.
Leading Through Change with Empathy and Awareness
As New Zealand gears up for the start of daylight saving, it’s important to recognise the impact that this seemingly small change can have on your team’s cognitive, physical, and emotional wellbeing. By being aware of the challenges and taking proactive steps to support your employees, you can help them navigate this transition smoothly and maintain their performance.
Remember, daylight saving is more than just an hour lost—it’s an opportunity for you as a leader to show empathy, understanding, and commitment to your team’s wellbeing. By encouraging healthy sleep habits, fostering a supportive workplace culture, and providing practical resources, you can help your team not just survive the daylight saving transition, but thrive in it.
After all, a well-rested, supported, and resilient team is the foundation of any successful business.
