Have you ever felt like dozing off at the office ?

Napping at work is a topic that is generating increasing interest in companies. Between increased productivity and improved employee well-being, sleeping for a few minutes at work is an effective way to overcome fatigue and improve performance .

In this article, we present the benefits and limitations of napping at work . We will also see how to practice it correctly and how employers can create a suitable space for employees to rest.

What is a nap at work?

A nap at work corresponds to a short rest period , usually of 10 to 20 minutes, taken during working hours .

It aims to regenerate energy and combat the fatigue that is often felt in the early afternoon, after the lunch break.

This short nap is usually planned so as not to interfere with productivity or the overall quality of work.

The benefits of napping at work

Improved concentration

Taking a nap at work allows you to recharge mentally and physically, making you more focused and productive at work .

A few minutes of rest is enough to regain fitness and avoid mistakes due to fatigue.

Increased productivity

According to a NASA study , a short nap of 10 to 30 minutes can improve productivity by 34% and alertness levels by 54% .

In their study, they discovered that pilots who took a nap in the cockpit for 26 minutes increased their work efficiency .

Stress and fatigue reduction

Taking time for a nap helps reduce stress levels , particularly in demanding work environments.

This break also helps to reduce the fatigue accumulated throughout the morning.

Reduction in the risk of workplace accidents

Napping at work helps to maintain a certain level of alertness , thus reducing the risk of accidents related to drowsiness or decreased attention, particularly in physical or technical professions.

Memory enhancement

Taking a short nap during the day also improves memory . A nap at work helps consolidate information received and promotes better learning capacity .

The limits of napping at work

Risk of sleep disturbance at night

A poorly planned or excessively long nap can disrupt nighttime sleep , leading to insomnia. That's why it's essential to adhere to the recommended durations.

Negative perception in some corporate cultures

In some companies, taking a nap at work can be frowned upon.

Some see it as a sign of inefficiency or a lack of professionalism. This is why napping at the office can be poorly received in some companies .

Difficulty integrating into certain work environments

Not all workspaces are suitable for napping .

For example, open-plan offices do not allow employees to rest in a quiet and suitable environment.

How to practice napping at work?

Choosing the right time

Ideally, you should schedule a nap at work between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. , when the body naturally experiences a dip in energy. This avoids disrupting your biological rhythm.

Choose an optimal duration

A nap at work should be similar to a micro-nap and last between 10 and 20 minutes maximum to avoid falling into a deep sleep which could cause drowsiness upon waking and prevent you from falling asleep at night.

Create an environment conducive to rest

A quiet place, dim lighting, and a minimum of comfort are essential for a successful nap at work. Avoid places that are too noisy or bright.

Use accessories

Earplugs , a sleep mask or a small pillow are accessories that can greatly improve your experience when napping at work.

How can an employer set up a nap area at work?

Create a quiet and secluded location

Nap areas should be away from machine noise and main aisles to allow for better rest.

The employer can provide a dedicated space . For example, at L'Oréal Paris headquarters, a rest room with massage capsules and machines has been made available to allow employees to rest and relax.

Provide comfortable furniture

Reclining chairs or ergonomic cushions can help employees take a nap at the office.

Employers can also provide nap beds for employees who need a longer break. Some companies, like Google or Ben & Jerry's, even have dedicated nap rooms with comfortable beds and cozy blankets.

Encouraging a culture of rest

It is important that managers and employers encourage their teams to take regular breaks and rest .

To do this, it is possible to:

• to organize recreational activities during the workday,
• to inform staff about the benefits of napping at the office,
• and to implement a rotation system so that everyone can rest without disrupting the work.

Establish a clear usage charter

To avoid any abuse, it is useful to have a charter that defines the rules and times for using the spaces dedicated to napping at work .

This charter may also include guidelines on the maximum permitted duration of naps and rules of good neighborliness to avoid disturbing other people in the rest area.

Regulations concerning napping at work in France

Lack of specific legislation

In France, there is not yet a specific law regulating napping at work , but some companies allow it in their internal regulations. This means that each company is free to decide whether or not it wants to set up dedicated napping areas at work.

The importance of an agreement between employer and employees

To encourage napping at work, dialogue and clear agreements between employers and employees are essential.

It is important that the employer is informed and gives their consent so that the nap can be integrated into working hours.

Compliance with safety and hygiene standards

Designated nap areas must meet certain standards to ensure a safe and clean environment. Quality sleep is essential to reaping the benefits of napping at work. Therefore, it is necessary to provide suitable equipment such as comfortable mattresses, blankets, and clean pillows.

FAQ: Napping at work

Can I take a nap at work?

You can take a nap at work if your company allows it and this practice is included in the internal regulations.

Are we allowed to sleep at work?

Sleeping at work is not prohibited in itself, but it must be regulated by the company's internal organization.

Which country allows napping at work?

Some countries like Japan, or some companies in the United States and France, value napping at work, considering it a tool to boost productivity.

Is it healthy to take naps during work?

It is healthy to take naps at work, but they should be short to avoid disrupting your nighttime sleep.

What are the disadvantages of napping at work?

The main disadvantages of napping at the office are that it can affect your sleep schedule if it is managed, or that it may be frowned upon by your colleagues.

Finally, napping at work is now emerging as a beneficial practice for improving well-being and performance , provided it is well supervised and adopted within a positive professional and personal dynamic.