Daylight saving time: impact in the workplace

Your biological clock needs light to keep in step. This involves all kinds of hormones. For instance, when it is dark, the pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, which makes you sleepy.

Light actually inhibits melatonin production. Light also stimulates the production of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that keep you awake and alert. It’s not only the clocks switching back and forth between daylight saving time; the body must switch back and forth too. So it makes sense that your body feels the backlash.

The sudden shift in sleep rhythm can lead to fatigue, impaired concentration, and increased risk of occupational accidents. It is important to pay attention to this, especially in sectors where precision and alertness are crucial, such as construction, logistics, and healthcare.

In fact, the road safety institute VIAS reports that, on average, 23% more accidents happen each year in the week after the switch to daylight saving time. And especially in the morning rush hour, as it often takes place in the dark.

As an employer, you can take some simple measures to minimise the impact on your team’s safety and productivity.

1. Identify the riskiest tasks and defer these if possible
   In the first days after the transition, workers are often more tired and less alert. If possible, it is wise to postpone dangerous or precision tasks for a few days until the team has adapted to the new rhythm better. This is especially true when working with heavy machinery, at height, or in environments where mistakes can have serious consequences. Managers and team leaders can take this into account when planning and divide tasks wisely.
    
2. Encourage a healthy sleep routine
   Inform employees about the impact of daylight saving time and share simple tips to make the transition smoother. Advice such as adjusting sleep rhythms a few days in advance, limiting screen time before bedtime, and getting enough exposure to daylight can help people get used to the new time faster. General encouragement of general healthy habits, such as exercise and adequate hydration, can also help minimise the impact of the time change.
   
   Want to know more about the impact of sleep? Read our Five tips for better-rested employees.
    
3. Provide extra breaks and focus on well-being
   A simple but effective measure is to take extra breaks in the first days after the time change. This helps employees compensate for fatigue and better maintain their focus.
    
4. Increase focus on road safety and shift work
   The transition to daylight saving time may also affect workers who are on the road early in the morning or at night. Fatigue plays an important role in road accidents, so additional awareness around safe driving habits and a flexible approach for workers who start early can reduce the risk. As an employer, you can consider temporary adjustments in shifts to allow employees to acclimatise better to the new time schedule.