Is It Okay to Let Your Employees Take a Nap at Work?

Being able to take a short rest in the middle of the day sounds nice. But it's not something one should do at work. Or is it?

Napping on the job is becoming more common. Some even put it as a perk. For example, Google offers nap pods for its employees. Other employers such as Ben & Jerry's and Nike give spaces for a nap. Would it be a good idea to provide this kind of perk?

Workers don't get enough rest.

Most of us require seven hours of sleep a night or more. Most Malaysian adults probably get much less than that. Sleep deprivation has become a severe issue like stress, and busy schedules keep workers from getting enough rest. Some employers also expect their employees to be available all the time because they have the technology.

If your company's culture requires employees to be available all the time, even after working hours, it is time to consider stopping this practice so your employees can put down their phones and rest. It'll improve their productivity in the long run.

If your company decides to provide the nap perk, be sure to lay out the guidelines when the perk is offered.

Sleep deprivation causes issues.

If an employee does not get enough rest, you'll end up feeling tired all the time. They will be less productive at work, and they will also experience health issues. Fagitued employees are more likely to experience depression, diabetes, arthritis, asthma or even a heart attack compared to well-rested employees.

These health issues can cost your company a lot of money.

Nap: An affordable and simple perk

Letting your employees take a short nap at work is an easily affordable benefit. You can allow your employees to rest in their offices or the break room. This will surely improve their productivity. Even a short nap can help employees feel refreshed. They can get back to work more productive than if they had struggled to power through their work exhausted.

Your company's image will also benefit from this perk. Nowadays, employees want more flexibility from their employers. Offering this kind of perk can provide a positive boost to your employer brand that will attract top talent.

Beware, long naps could leave your workers feeling groggy than refreshed

Let your employees know what's expected of them.

If your company decides to provide the nap perk, be sure to lay out the guidelines when the perk is offered. For example, limit the naps to no longer than 30 minutes.

Why? Because long naps could leave your workers feeling groggy than refreshed.

Also, you don't want your employees taking too much time away from work, even if it will increase their productivity.

You should also specify where napping is okay. Some companies set aside a designated room with couches as the nap room. If there isn't enough space, you could also encourage employees to take a nap at their desks.

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Source: The Benefits Guide, Forbes