Power naps in the office boost productivity and reduce stress.
Nodding off in the office for an hour can be as beneficial as a good night’s sleep. Nearly three quarters of office workers want the chance to have a 30 minute power nap at work, believing that it will boost their productivity and reduce their stress levels, according to new research.
The survey was commissioned by Firefly, a communications consultancy, and supports the recent research from Harvard scientists who found that power naps enhance learning.
The survey also revealed the lengths office workers have gone to when they wanted to take a break from work, with most admitting to spending time on personal calls and internet shopping (54 per cent) when they wanted a break from the daily grind.
Among the more innovative ways of avoiding work were claims of taking books to the toilet, flirting with colleagues, pretending to smoke and even sleeping in the toilet. Worryingly for employers, some even said that they spent the time looking for new jobs and even claim to have quit when the pressure of work became too much.
Office workers favour power naps (22 per cent) above many more traditional and costly perks, such as private health insurance (16 per cent), luncheon vouchers (18 per cent) and a car parking space (11 per cent). In addition, those employees who cited tiredness and stress as having the most negative effect on their work in the last six months are also willing to give up time spent on smoking breaks and personal phone calls to fit a power nap in during the working day.
Firefly’s founder and managing director Claire Walker said: “Companies are always looking for ways to improve productivity and ensure staff welfare. Power naps have helped us to serve our clients better by improving both our productivity and our creativity. They also keep our staff happier – and in difficult economic times represent a cost effective perk that benefits both the employee and the business”.
Extensive scientific research has shown that short power naps can improve productivity and prevent burn out. Harvard researchers found that a snooze reverses information overload and the National Sleep Foundation recommends that a 20 to 30 minute nap can restore alertness and memory as well as relieve stress and fatigue.
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