OBJECTIVES: Using a work-based survey, this study explored the impact of sleep loss and insomnia on worker productivity in diverse work populations. METHODS: Employees in four diverse U.S.-based companies participated by completing an anonymous, 55-item, online survey. Respondents were classified according to DSM-IV-TR minimum criteria for ‘primary' and ‘secondary' insomnia (IN) and ICSD minimum criteria for insufficient sleep syndrome (ISS). The remaining respondents were classified as either ‘at-risk' (reported medical, psychological or sleep conditions that precluded IN or ISS) or ‘good-sleep' (did not meet criteria for any other group). Associated presenteeism was measured using the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Productivity loss to the employer was estimated using company and/or industry-specific wage data. RESULTS: Of 4,188 respondents who completed the survey (40.0±11.2 years, 53.4% male), 9.6% (n=403), 5.9% (n=247), 39.6% (n=1660) and 44.8% (n=1878) were classified as IN, ISS, at-risk, and good-sleep, respectively. IN and ISS groups reported the greatest impaired abilities (p<.05) in time management (28.3%±22.5, 25.4%±22.2, 20.4%±19.6, 11.2%±14.5 for IN, ISS, at-risk and good-sleep, respectively), mental-interpersonal demands (23.5%±18.1, 22.4%±19.0, 18.1%±17.1, 9.8%±11.7 for IN, ISS, at-risk and good-sleep, respectively) and output demands (20.5%±20.0, 17.5%±19.2, 14.7%±17.8, 8.1%±12.6 for IN, ISS, at-risk and good-sleep, respectively). Limitations in performing physical job demands was greatest for the IN group (18.3%±21.3, p<.05) compared to all other groups (14.7%±18.7, 12.8%±18.4, 7.1%±14.1, for ISS, at-risk, and good-sleep, respectively). Mean at-work productivity loss was 6.1%, 5.5%, 4.6%, 2.5%, for insomnia, ISS, at-risk and good-sleep groups, respectively (p<.05). Based on each company's annual salaries, mean at-work productivity loss for the insomnia group was $3,156/employee (range $2,531-$3,980). The aggregate productivity loss to an employer was estimated to be $309,120. CONCLUSION: The relatively high prevalence of sleep disruptions within these companies coupled with the impact on job performance and productivity loss provide a rationale for improving detection and treatment among employed individuals.