Employees are spending billions each year just to function at work while tired, as poor sleep drives daily spending on caffeine, convenience food and other short-term fixes.
The scale of the issue points to a deeper workplace problem, where fatigue is no longer occasional but embedded in daily routines, affecting both wellbeing and performance.
Experts say that for many workers, staying alert has become a recurring cost rather than an occasional necessity, with spending on coping mechanisms now forming a regular part of household budgets.
Daily fatigue driving significant personal cost
Research by Hillarys, a UK home furnishings retailer, found that workers are spending an estimated £48 billion a year to manage tiredness linked to poor sleep. The data shows that 64 percent of workers spend money each week to cope with fatigue, with the average employee spending £6.23 per day, or £2,274 annually.
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This cost represents a significant share of disposable income. For renters, it can account for more than 40 percent of what remains after essential bills, underlining how closely financial strain and wellbeing are now linked.
Spending patterns vary across age groups. Workers aged 35 to 44 report the highest daily spend, while younger employees also report consistent reliance on paid coping strategies to get through the working day.
High-pressure sectors such as finance and information technology are among the most affected, with some workers spending more than £3,000 a year to maintain focus and energy levels.
Quick fixes mask deeper workplace fatigue
Common coping behaviours point to a reliance on short-term solutions rather than long-term change.
Coffee and energy drinks are the most widely used, followed by sugary snacks and convenience food. Alcohol and supplements are also used by a notable share of workers.
These habits, observers say, can reinforce a cycle where fatigue leads to increased spending, without addressing the underlying causes of poor sleep.
Tom Coleman, a sleep expert at Hillarys, said the behaviour reflected a wider issue around how fatigue is managed. He said workers were often treating the symptoms rather than the cause. “Paying to stay awake is only masking a much bigger problem.”
He said fatigue can affect both behaviour and decision-making. “Fatigue also impairs decision-making, so people are more likely to reach for quick fixes like coffee, snacks, energy drinks or takeaways, even when they’re costly or not the healthiest choice.”
Workplace patterns contributing to sleep deficit
The findings add to wider concerns about how working patterns and lifestyle pressures are affecting sleep.
Irregular schedules, long hours and stress can all contribute to poor sleep quality, with knock-on effects for concentration, productivity and overall health.
Over time, fatigue can become normalised, particularly in roles where high performance is expected despite long or unpredictable working days.
Coleman said long-term change would require a shift in habits rather than reliance on stimulants.“The solution isn’t more stimulants; it’s reshaping daily habits to reduce sleep debt.”
Growing case for employer-led wellbeing action
The financial and behavioural impact of fatigue is likely to increase pressure on organisations to take a more active role in supporting sleep and recovery.
Coleman said organisations had a role to play in reducing the impact of fatigue. “Organisations can help by recognising the hidden costs of fatigue and supporting healthier work-life patterns.”
With fatigue affecting decision-making, productivity and long-term health, the findings suggest that sleep is becoming a workplace issue as much as a personal one.
The research, based on a survey of 2,001 employees, was conducted in February 2026.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
