What is this alert about? 

Recently several incidents have occurred involving team members feeling dizzy and unwell. Upon investigation team members skipping meals or being fatigued have been contributing factors in these events.   

What you need to know

Your role at Belgravia Leisure is vital to the safety and wellbeing of each team member as well as that of our members and guests. Whether it be a manager, lifeguard, customer service officer, swim teacher, or park manager (the roles are extensive!) your efforts matter, and it’s one of the things that makes working at Belgravia Leisure so fulfilling.

Ensuring that you are not impacted by fatigue and that you have suitable nutrition is important not only for the safety of those around you but also for your work happiness.

Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn’t the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. Fatigue is a symptom that usually has some underlying cause. Fatigue may be described by people in different ways and may include a combination of physical and psychological symptoms including weakness, lack of energy, constantly tired or exhausted, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and/or difficulty starting and completing tasks. The following factors may contribute to a person’s experience of fatigue: 

• Lifestyle factors (physical exertion, lack of sleep, lack of physical activity, consuming too much caffeine/failing to provide your body nutrition etc).   
• Physical health conditions (anaemia, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, sleep disorders etc).  
• Mental health issues (fatigue can be aside effect of some mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression).

Have you completed our Mental Health eLearning Program, MHeLP? Complete the free training here.

Our bodies rely on energy obtained through the food and drink that we consume. Proper nutrition that is suitable to your activity level is essential to provide you with energy to complete your tasks and can have a big impact on the experience of fatigue.  

Inadequate nutrition can result in: 

• Blood sugar levels dropping and changes in hormones: If you skip just one meal it can cause your blood sugar levels to fall, and if you are skipping breakfast they will struggle to rise at all. Glucose is the fuel your body runs on, and if it isn’t topped up properly throughout the day, every organ in your body can be affected. 
• Your brain doesn’t function properly: Without a proper supply of nutrients, your brain can become clouded and your emotional and intellectual functions may be affected. You can start to become moody and irritable, and it will be harder to concentrate. 

How can you manage your fatigue and nutrition to get the most out of your role?

• Drink plenty of water – sometimes you feel tired simply because you’re mildly dehydrated.  
• Be careful with caffeine 
• Eat breakfast – food boosts your metabolism and gives the body energy to burn.  
• Don’t skip meals and eat healthily – going without food for too long allows blood sugar levels to dip. Try to eat regularly to maintain your energy levels throughout the day, this might mean throwing a piece of fruit, crackers or a muesli bar into your work bag! 
• Get enough sleep – two-thirds of us suffer from sleep problems, and many people don’t get the sleep they need to stay alert throughout the day. Some recommendations for getting a good night’s sleep include: going to bed and get up in the morning at the same time every day, avoid naps throughout the day, and have a warm bath or shower before bed. 
• Take your allocated break when at work! Although it might be tempting to work through, don’t. It is important to have a physical and mental break to eat, drink and reset.  
• Use relaxation strategies such as breathing techniques, using a calming mantra or yoga practice.  
• Ensure you partake in daily physical activity.
• Discuss work-related demands or concerns with your manager.
• Seek emotional or psychological support if required.

The Belgravia Employee Assistance Program

Please Note

Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in severity from mild to serious. Raise your concerns confidentially with your Manager, they can help ensure that you are safe and supported in the workplace.  

If your fatigue doesn’t resolve with proper rest and nutrition, or you suspect it’s caused by an underlying physical or mental health condition, please see your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.