The study from bed manufacturer Sealy found that 86% of hospitality workers admitted that they could function better at work if they slept better, placing it above jobs such as banking (79%) construction and retail.
The 'Worldwide Sleep Census' was made up of the responses of 5,000 people of a working age across the UK.
When asked of the effects of a lack of sleep, 65% of hospitality workers said they regularly lose their temper or have been irritable to a colleague, 30% claim they suffer a lack of productivity, while 19% say they’re often late into work or have time off as a result.
One in 25 admitted to falling asleep whilst on the job while 11% put a recent accident at work – such as a trip or a slip, down to feeling tired.
Neil Robinson from Sealy said: “Lack of sleep – and the subsequent fallout the next day – can be caused by a wide range of legitimate medical conditions, from stress, to mental health problems or respiratory disease. Even at the less severe end of the spectrum, there’s usually an underlying health issue causing sleeplessness.
“However, it’s often treated as an incidental issue by bosses, with a ‘pull yourself together’ attitude. This is not helpful for employees, especially when there are some potentially severe consequences of turning up exhausted.
“There are of course occasions when staff are tired as a result of staying up too late or burning the candle at both ends. “
Sealy is currently working with HR expert, Kate Russell, of Russell HR Consulting to produce a ‘common sense’ guide for bosses to better manage sleep deprivation of staff.