A new report from the Safe at Work Coalition (KBwP) reveals that nearly half of Poland’s workforce is suffering from significant mental (47%) and physical (42%) fatigue. The report, titled “Tired Like a Pole at Work: Causes, Effects, and Consequences,” highlights that young workers aged 25-34 are among the most affected, as they juggle professional and personal responsibilities.
Fatigue in the workplace is a multifaceted issue, with monotony and boredom being the most frequently reported symptoms (45%), followed by a lack of motivation (41%). Employers, too, are struggling, with 39% experiencing chronic fatigue and 45% reporting a general sense of poor well-being. The pressure to remain constantly available is a major contributor to employer fatigue (36%).
Polish Employees Among Europe’s Longest-Working: Fatigue Management Strategies Lag Behind
On average, Polish employees work around 41 hours per week, higher than the 39.3-hour European average. Employers often exceed this, working about 44 hours weekly, making Polish workers among the longest-working in Europe. “We have much to learn from countries like the Netherlands, where people work fewer hours but more efficiently,” said Marta Wojewnik, chair of the Safe at Work Coalition.
While many workers attempt to alleviate fatigue through short breaks or adhering to work hours, only a small percentage seek additional help or discuss workload changes with their supervisors. Elżbieta Rogowska, a KBwP expert, noted that while both employers and employees recognize the need for strategies to manage fatigue, there are key differences in their approaches, with employers often sacrificing their own well-being to meet work demands.
Age and Fatigue: Employers Implement Solutions as Experts Warn of Long-Term Health Risks
The report also emphasizes that age plays a significant role in fatigue, with younger workers seeking psychological support and older employees facing the pressures of caregiving alongside their professional duties. Nearly 40% of employers have already implemented measures such as flexible working hours and additional breaks to combat fatigue, though only 24% of workers reported that fatigue was addressed in health and safety training.
Experts warn that chronic fatigue poses serious health and safety risks, with the potential for long-term health problems or even disability. The report calls for a shift in workplace culture to prioritize fatigue management, emphasizing the importance of prevention over cure.