As a leader, when you praise late-night work or boast about how little sleep you’ve gotten, you’re signaling that sacrificing rest is a sign of commitment and productivity. But research has shown that the most effective leadership behaviors—staying focused on results, problem-solving, seeking out new perspectives, and supporting others—are measurably impaired by a lack of sleep. Take the following steps to understand what signals you’re sending to your team.
Check yourself. Look at your own sleep habits. Are you getting enough? Are you hiding how tired you are? Then examine the expectations you’re setting for your team. Are you scheduling early calls or sending late-night emails? Have you praised someone for working late?
Read the room. Look for signs that your team may be running low on energy. Are people making unusual mistakes or struggling to concentrate? Have you noticed more irritability or unusually quiet behavior? Look for recurring patterns rather than isolated incidents. If you’re concerned, start a conversation about the team’s energy levels.
Poll your team. Use an anonymous survey to ask whether employees are getting enough rest, feel comfortable admitting fatigue, and believe the organization supports prioritizing sleep. Their answers can reveal where your workplace culture needs to change.
