Shift patterns, fatigue & wellbeing trends in Australia
Evidence-based insights for Australian SME owners and managers on workforce fatigue, shift design, and employee wellbeing.
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59%
of workers report exhaustion
76%
say it impacts productivity
11hrs
minimum recovery recommended
1 in 5
work non-standard hours
What the research shows
Six critical insights every Australian employer should understand about workforce fatigue.
Fatigue is a workplace hazard
Recognised under Australian WHS guidance requiring active management
Recovery time matters
Irregular shifts and insufficient recovery significantly increase fatigue risk
59% report exhaustion
More than half of Australian workers turn up to work feeling exhausted
Productivity impact
76% say fatigue directly impacts their work performance
Regulatory focus rising
Increased compliance expectations around fatigue management
Retention factor
Fair and predictable rosters are becoming a competitive advantage
What you'll learn
This 16-page report examines seven key trends shaping shift work, fatigue management, and employee wellbeing in Australian workplaces.
- Why fatigue is now treated as a workplace safety issue
- Six key trends shaping shift work in Australia
- How irregular schedules affect worker wellbeing
- What regulators expect from employers
- Practical actions SMEs are taking to manage fatigue
- 12-month outlook for workforce management
Shift patterns, fatigue & wellbeing trends
in Australia (2026 Report)
Trusted australian sources
This report draws on research and guidance from leading Australian organisations.
Who this guide is for
SME owners
Understanding fatigue risks and compliance obligations for your business
Operations managers
Practical insights for roster design and workforce planning
HR professionals
Evidence to support wellbeing initiatives and policy development
Ready to dive in?
Research-backed insights to help you manage workforce fatigue and wellbeing.
Download free e-guidePDF format • 16 pages • No signup required
RosterElf's roster warnings helps Australian businesses identify potential fatigue risks before publishing rosters. Our HR software tracks employee documentation and compliance records, while our workforce management platform includes break planning and shift recovery tools built for employee wellbeing and compliance.
More resources
Explore our other guides and templates for Australian businesses.
Real support from people who understand your business
At RosterElf, support isn't a ticket system — it's part of the product. Our Australian-based team helps you set up correctly, understand award rules, and stay compliant as your business changes. No scripts. No offshore handoffs. Just real help when you need it.
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Guided setup and onboarding
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Ongoing help as your team grows
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Frequently asked questions
- This 16-page guide examines shift patterns, workforce fatigue, and employee wellbeing trends in Australia. It covers six key trends shaping shift work, practical actions SMEs are taking, and a 12-month outlook for workforce management.
- The guide is designed for Australian SME owners, operations managers, and HR professionals who manage shift workers or rostered staff. The insights are particularly relevant for hospitality, retail, healthcare, and other industries with variable schedules.
- Yes, the guide is completely free. No signup or email address is required. Simply click the download button to get instant access to the PDF.