Reenergize before returning

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  
Getting back to the everyday grind at work can be tough, and the consequences of being tired and trying to perform at 100 percent is quite challenging.

After a lengthy holiday break with family and friends, remember to spend some time on yourself.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/03/sleep-and-work/), those who work long hours or shift work encounter these risks:

Risks for Workers:
· Sleep deprivation
· Lack of adequate time to recover from work
· Decline in mental function and physical ability, including emotional fatigue and a decline in the function of the body's immune system 
· Higher rates of depression, occupational injury and poor perceived health
· Higher prevalence of insomnia among shift workers with low social support
· Increased risk of illness and injury
· Strain on personal relationships, such as marriage and family life
· Increased risk of long-term health effects, such as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, mood disturbances

Risks for Employers:
· Reduced productivity
· Increase in errors
· Absenteeism and presenteeism (present at work but not fully functioning because of health problems or personal issues) 
· Increased health care and worker compensation costs
· Workforce attrition due to disability, death or moving to jobs with less demanding schedules

Risks to the Community:
· Potential increase in errors by workers leading to:
o Medical errors
o Vehicle crashes
o Industrial incidents or disasters

Research indicates that the effect of long work hours and shift work may be more complex than a simple direct relationship between a certain high number of work hours or shift schedule and risks.

The Air Force needs all of its members to perform at 100 percent, so before returning to the mission, rejuvenate mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.

If you are looking for an outlet to help get back on track, check out www.littlerock.af.mil/leadershippathways for courses that support or focus on one of the four CAF domains (social, physical, spiritual and mental). Also, don't forget about the upcoming Wingman Day Feb. 27