to reduce the number of on-the-job accidents at Alta and thereby increase productivity, we should shorten each of our three work shifts by one hour so that our employees will get adequate amounts of sleep

During the recent years, companies are beginning to recognize the value of sufficient sleep for their workers. It is undeniable that lacking of sleep introduces an array of potential hazards to the workplace. It can make a person irritable and anxious and result in diminished productivity, impaired decision making, tendency to make mistakes, trouble concentrating and interpersonal problems. Even mild sleep deprivation can adversely affect productivity in work tasks and workplace safety, resulting in poor performance and lost revenue. So, the argument of shortening the working hours to increase productivity makes sense at first glance. However, the conclusion that sleeping more could allow the workers to work more efficiently may mask other reasons of differences in number of accidents between the two companies and the ways of increasing productivity.

First of all, as mentioned in the argument, Alta Manufacturing had thirty percent more on-the-job accidents than nearby Panoply Indust...