The rush hour of life takes its toll
The group between 30 and 45 years old is in the 'rush hour phase' of their lives: a period where the care for young families and a building career come together. This is reflected in the numbers; this group rates their sleep quality a meager 6.6. Although 74% of respondents acknowledge that a good mattress is essential for sleep, this group struggles more with physical complaints (back, neck, and shoulders) than, for example, those in their sixties.
The paradox is significant: the group that demands the most from themselves physically and mentally postpones the investment in a good mattress the longest. In addition to choice stress and lack of priority, 48% indicate that the high purchase price is a barrier to improving their sleep comfort.
Good sleep is largely determined by sleep comfort, but also significantly by the lifestyle choices one makes. This combination ultimately determines the quality of recovery and both should not be underestimated.
Also read: More focus and calm at home often starts at the window
Sleep as a blind spot in HR policy
The research reveals a clear gap in the current vitality policy of organizations. Although seven out of ten employees indicate that poor sleep leads to loss of concentration and a higher risk of mistakes, only a fraction of workers feels that their employer genuinely pays attention to this.
'Sleep deprivation is no longer a private issue, but an economic question,' says sleep expert Floris Wouterson: 'When employees consistently recover too little, you see that reflected directly in loss of concentration, mistakes at work, increasing absenteeism, and ultimately burnout-like complaints.
The costs of this are many times higher than investing in good sleep and recovery. Especially those in their thirties and forties are in the rush hour of their lives and try to keep all the balls in the air. In practice, sleep is often the first thing to be sacrificed. That may seem manageable in the short term, but it is essentially a loan with exorbitant interest that is ultimately paid by the employer.'
Also read: The right lighting for your office
Employee calls for facilitation
It is striking that the willingness among employees to address this issue is high. No less than 68% of respondents indicate that they find it (very) interesting if their employer facilitates access to better sleep facilities. This offers opportunities for organizations to include sleep in their secondary employment conditions, similar to ergonomic office chairs or corporate fitness, to ensure the sustainable employability of their staff. 
Also read: Dutch workplace should no longer ignore women's health
