Rude colleagues may stop you and your partner from sleeping, study claims

Workplace stress caused by rude or disrespectful colleagues is known to have an adverse affect on your wellbeing, but it might be damaging your partner’s too.

New research published in the journal Occupational Health Science has found that couples who work in similar fields – either in the same company or the same occupation – will feel the impact of their partner’s workplace incivilities to the point where it may prevent them from sleeping.

Psychologists who authored the study explain that when one person experiences unpleasant exchanges at work, they tend to ruminate about it at home.

Whether it’s a condescending line manager or being constantly talked over in meetings, this can lead to some employees experiencing insomnia symptoms, such as struggling to fall asleep or waking up in the middle of the night.

If that person’s partner works in a similar industry, they’re more likely to discuss their grievances with them in the hope they will offer informed support.

But the study, which examined the sleeping habits of 305 couples in a variety of jobs, found that this behaviour can lead to poor sleep in both partners, with one person worrying about work and the other worrying about their partner by dint of being empathetic.

Lead author Charlotte Fritz, professor of industrial and organizational psychology at Portland State University, explains that couples with “work links” have a better understanding of each other’s problems and are therefore better-equipped to support them.

“They probably know more about the context of the uncivil act and might be more pulled into the venting or problem-solving process," she says.

While this might create a sense of camaraderie, Fritz says that if it’s affecting the sleeping habits of both people in the partnership, it’s time to rethink.

"Not talking about work or not supporting your spouse is not the solution," she continues.

"They can talk about work, vent about it, discuss it, but then they should make an explicit attempt to unwind together and create good conditions for sleep."

Since workplace incivilities are inevitable, Fritz suggests trying out some ways to help yourself detach from work life outside of office hours. This could include enjoying hobbies, spending time with friends or practising meditation.