Rest & Play: Nap Areas

Woman sleeps in the office during working hours

It was not too long ago that napping on the job would be considered an abomination worth at least a serious reprimand, or even a firing. But recently, the focus has shifted from discouraging napping to promoting it in the workplace, as it is beneficial to both physical and mental health, as well as the safety concerns of volatile workplaces.

While some of the great luminaries of history have been touted as chronic nappers, the benefits for the average worker are largely practical but important in an environment that demands a high rate of exertion. Companies are now beginning to establish nap areas for many reasons that aid both them and their employees.

Advantages to Employees

One of the major problems encountered in many workplaces nowadays is the issue of sleep deprivation among employees. Considering the competitiveness of various industries, maintaining a firm hold of one’s work can be quite exhausting as demand for productivity increases. Employees benefit from nap areas in the workplace because they promote good health when their career may be gradually deteriorating it.

Another benefit of mid-shift napping is actually financial. Employees spend a lot of money every year of caffeine and other drugs to maintain energy during the day. Napping can allow workers to forgo unnatural and often costly methods of preventing drowsiness.

The third and easily most important benefit is safety for employees working in dangerous environments. Napping, or even providing a room away from the main area of productivity, allows workers to regain wakefulness or calmness. When employees become too stressed or fatigued, the risk of getting hurt increases. Nap areas have been introduced primarily by progressive web companies like Google and The Huffington Post, but a metals factory in Connecticut has recently encouraged workers to nap nearly every day.

Advantages to Employers

That is not to say that the benefits are exclusive to employees. Companies have also recognized that nap areas increased productivity and decreased insurance premiums. Various organizations like the National Sleep Foundation and NASA have undergone rigorous studies that confirm the benefits of napping, especially in terms of productivity. While providing napping to employees is still a forward-thinking concept in the workplace, companies that allow it have gained popularity and enthusiasm from their employees, which also provides emotional incentive to increase productivity.

As mentioned before, companies who allow napping are potentially increasing their overall safety, and a more seamless record will inevitably lower insurance premiums. This is always a costly factor for industrial corporation, so lowering it will ease the strain of additional cost and additional stress.

If safety and employee satisfaction are two of the most vital aspects of lowering costs and increasing productivity for a company, nap areas should be seen as an effective x-factor in bolstering a company’s internal and public popularity. It is more beneficial for companies to think in the long term and provide extensive care packages for their employees if they want consistent results and a positive workforce.

Pros & Cons

When looking at possible job opportunities it is always a good idea to write down a pros and cons list. This can help you to determine what aspects of the job you might like and what aspects you may want to change.

Some important job aspects to consider include possible travel, team outings, casual attire, flexible hours, working from home and more.

Workplace Culture

A workplace culture can have a big impact on your everyday life. If you enjoy work you will be more likely to perform better and stay interested in the tasks at hand.

Some of the ways that companies today are helping to foster a positive work environment is to allow employees access to free food and drink, showers, gym memberships, nap areas and gaming rooms.