Health, Safety and Shift Work

Lighten Up If your night-shift employees are working under dim lights their mood and energy level will sag. Bright lights act as a signal to the body to perk up. Talk to commercial lighting sellers about the lighting options for your employees’ work spaces.

I recommend:  Check out Full Spectrum Solutions and Lighting.com.

Keep it Cool A cool workplace is a productive workplace. Even a slightly warm room can hamper job performance. Portable fans and ceiling fans can be an effective and economical way to bring the temperature down to more comfortable levels.

I recommend:  The Fan Shack offers a huge selection of fans.

Consult a night-shift consultant If you need help with issues related to night-shift productivity, talk to an expert who specializes in solving problems that are unique to night-time work environments.

I recommend:  Circadian Technologies and Shiftwork Solutions. Both firms offer services that help companies make the most of their night-shift operations.

Energize your snacks When break time arrives, give workers access to snacks that will give them a boost. Replace foods laden with sugar and saturated fat (think traditional potato chips and cookies) with healthier snacks such as nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables.

I recommend:  The FruitGuys will deliver fresh, hand-picket fruit to your door. Canteen's Balanced Choices is a line of food machines that serve up dishes like fat-free waffles.

Workout at work Another way to ward off fatigue is to get a little exercise during breaks. Create a recreation space where employees can play games that involve physical activity, such as billiards or table tennis. Provide hand weights and other options for those who prefer to do light workouts on their own.

I recommend:  Sports Authority carries variety of compact exercise equipment. At Amazon.com you can select from dozens of foosball tables and other equipment for other games.

Provide a rest stop Give employees a quiet area or two where they can decompress during breaks. These rest areas should have subdued lighting and comfortable seating, including cots for those who want to take a quick nap.

I recommend:  Check out the portable cots at NexTag and Amazon.com.

Show appreciation Night shift workers often feel cut off from the company’s day-to-day activities. That includes the occasional “job well done” comments from management. Don’t skimp on compliments. It doesn’t hurt to also reward employees with tangible gifts when they have met a tough goal or gone beyond the call of duty.

I recommend:  Present high-achievers with a gift card for a store or restaurant with locations nationwide, or a gift certificate for an online store.