Spring Forward With Energy

How the clock change impacts your body and your business

As the last weekend in March approaches, we get ready to “spring forward” and enjoy those longer, lighter evenings. But while the extra daylight is welcome, the hour we lose can throw more than just our schedules off – it can mess with our sleep, our energy, and even our workplace mojo.

Body clocks on the blink

That hour may not seem like much, but it can cause quite a stir behind the scenes. Our circadian rhythm – the internal body clock that keeps everything ticking smoothly—gets knocked off balance. Cue sluggish mornings, foggy heads, and that classic “out of sorts” feeling.

This 24-hour cycle isn’t just about sleep. It influences hormone levels, immunity, heart health, digestion, and even how well we detox overnight. When we force a time shift, our bodies experience it like jet lag. Your brain might say it’s time to work, but your body’s still clinging to dreamland.

Business brains in sleep debt

Feeling a little tired is one thing. But when your whole team is running on low power, productivity takes a hit. And the stats don’t lie:

• Nearly 1 in 3 UK employees say they’re less productive after the clocks change.
• Productivity can dip by as much as 20% in the days that follow.
• Lack of sleep (especially under 6 hours) can lead to slower thinking, more mistakes, and low motivation.

Even with brighter evenings, many of us still wake in the dark—further scrambling our natural rhythm. And a tired team means a tired business.

Zesty tips to help your team bounce back

Help your people adjust smoothly – and keep energy and output high – with these quick wins:

1. Ease into it: Suggest employees head to bed 15 – 30 minutes earlier in the run-up to the clock change. A gentle shift can work wonders.
2. Soak up the sun: Natural daylight is a circadian superhero. Encourage outdoor breaks to reset the body clock and boost focus.
3. Curb the caffeine: Remind your team to ease off coffee and alcohol later in the day – they’re both sleep stealers.
4. Flex it out: If possible, offer flexible hours for a few days. A little leeway can go a long way in helping people adapt.

Final thought: don’t snooze on this

Losing an hour might seem minor, but it has a measurable effect on health, wellbeing, and workplace performance. By giving your team the tools to adjust, you’ll help them stay alert, energised, and firing on all cylinders.

Because a well-rested team isn’t just happier – they’re sharper, stronger, and ready to spring forward with zest!