Nap Time – At the Office!
Napping on the job…what was once grounds for getting fired is now being actively encouraged in some offices. One thought behind this growing trend is that naps actually increase productivity rather than limit it.
A short twenty-minute nap can boost alertness and improve performance—both important when on the job. Since fatigue is often a reason for missing work, napping could help reduce absenteeism. If you’re employee is grouchy because he/she didn’t get enough sleep last night, taking a short nap during the day can help brighten their mood, which then positively affects their attitude toward customers and clients. Their coworkers will probably appreciate a happier them, too.
Many companies realize that when their employees’ are healthy, the company is healthy too. Roughly 6 percent of employers have nap rooms onsite. —What is a nap room you ask? It’s a quiet place for your workers to take a break and relax. Some of the coolest nap rooms, take Google for instance, have nap pods, which are futuristic-looking lounge chairs that play soothing sounds while you nap. Others may have long couches or comfy chairs where employees are welcome to catch some Z’s.
Keep in mind, there’s a right and wrong time to nap. The best time for napping is between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; napping any later could interfere with a person’s regular REM sleep. If you’re worried employees may take longer naps than necessary during their working hours, A sign-in system for tracking your employee’s nap times may be a valid solution to cut bad habits before they begin.
Power Napping Advantages:
- Recruits dedicated employees
- Increases morale and workplace safety
- Boost workplace safety
- Boosts alertness
- Improves memory and learning
- Improves heart health
- Prevents cell damage
- Relives stress
- Boosts immune system
Setting Up A Nap Room:
- Provide dark shades to block out the sunlight or sleeping masks
- Offer an ambient soundtrack to block out office noises
- Provide proper equipment, nap pods, long couches, reclining chairs, hammocks and bean bags
- Encourage employees to bring their own pillow and blankets
So, what do you think of napping in the office? Are you interested to see if this would benefit your company? Contact us today!