FEATURE
workplace nap for some time now, such as Google, UBER, PwC, Zappos and Ben and Jerry’s- just to mention a few. Each of these have designated spaces or rooms for a swift slumber and achieving the right conditions in this area is key. A nap environment should be in a location that is relatively free from noise, that offers low, or easily changeable lighting and has the right ambience for people to relax and nod off.
If you don’t have the space or budget for a designated ‘nap room’ then you could consider being flexible with an area that isn’t always in use. Meeting rooms are a good example of this. You could add a pod, or a reclining chair or two to this space, and make it available during the hours it isn’t in use, but ideally you will have an environment you can dedicate to naps to prevent any interruptions to the power nappers.
Pods, capsules, hammocks, tents,
reclining chairs… There are a vast array of different types of furniture to allow for an office nap, the most popular seems to be the sleep pod- a futuristic ‘C’ shaped pod that even has a privacy visor that swings over your head. Many of these play music to allow you relax, and even come with a timer to gently wake you. There are also stackable capsules, for those expecting large numbers of nappers and even pop-up tent style compartments which spring up when removed from a carry case. Here workers can zip themselves up in a snug tent made from light-blocking fabric- (a good option when sleeping in a room that has multiple purposes).
The idea here is to create comfort simply for a worker to re-energise, not to fall into a deep sleep, so anything that closely resembles an actual ‘bed’ may be a step too far. For those without the budget for sleep pods, a chair that reclines well, supports the feet and provides enough comfort to relax into a nap will certainly be adequate.
accept it in the workplace is critical and the first thing to be addressed. Without this, the act of napping will be rejected through fear of being perceived as lazy.
Introducing and providing a dedicated sleep environment will make it clear that workplace naps are now the norm. Further communication should detail the benefits, and it should be made clear that a quick nap of just 20 minutes will reduce stress levels, boost your mood, increase positivity, renew energy and enhance performance. It should also be underlined that a sleep environment isn’t actually for lengthy siestas, but for rejuvenating short naps.
You may also wish to lay out a few rules regarding noise in the area, eating snacks, or leaving phones outside of the sleeping zone. Also, be clear about a maximum sleep time and stipulate that the sleeping area is not a place for long bouts of deep sleep. It should also be explained that sleep is not permitted anywhere and cannot take place at a desk or under a table- it is only acceptable in the designated spaces.
A place to sleep Several organisations have been advocators of the
www.tomorrowsfm.com
“It is estimated that sleep deprivation costs the UK economy £40bn annually.”
There is however, a line you will need to draw in terms of timing, as you need to avoid the danger of workers stretching out their nights, feeling it is okay to catch up on their sleep at work. Ideally you are looking to offer workers the option of recreating that brief relaxing moment, when you drift off whilst reclining on a deck chair on a beach, or whilst gazing out of a moving train on the way home.
In summary, implementing sleep into a working day can be done with relative ease. An empty (or a rarely used room or environment) that provides a quiet or tranquil ambience and a comfortable reclining chair can often be enough. However- it should be clear that workplace napping is about enhancing performance or recharging, and not perceived as an act of laziness. Once it is considered acceptable and the boundaries are made clear, your workforce will freely use this space to tap into the benefits of the power nap.
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