Each of us has heard about the power of the so-called “Power nap” – a short nap that allows for quick regeneration during the day. According to scientists from the Israel Institute of Technology, the best time for a dozen or so minutes of sleep is 15.00-17.00. It just so happens that most of us are at work then. Fortunately, more and more companies are equipping their offices with relaxation zones, and even special nap rooms, i.e. rooms adapted to sleep. How employers allow employees to rest in the workplace.
A nap just after 3 p.m. is a good idea – it will allow you to use the end of a busy day more effectively, which will certainly compensate for those several minutes outside the desk. Of course, you have to use it in moderation. We can see that some employers have the courage to break the conservative approach to working time and arrange special nap rooms. Those who do not want to go that far successfully introduce chill-out zones with pouffes and armchairs or even increase the comfort of cafeteria spaces – says Igor Czmyr, Head of the Work Environment Strategy Department at CBRE.
Not so effective in the evening
A short sleep between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. turns out to be more effective than a nap after returning home between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The latter may even lead to sleep problems, say researchers from the Israel Institute of Technology. A dozen or so minutes of sleep after 3 p.m. is not only better efficiency and less stress in the last hours at the office, but also more time for loved ones in the evening, which has a positive effect on the so-called work-life balance.
As CBRE experts point out, the number of nap rooms in offices is not growing at a great pace so far, which results from employers’ concerns and the traditional approach to working time in the office. The situation is different with relaxation zones – their popularity is growing.
Office chill-out is on top
Rooms filled with pouffes, sofas, armchairs, hammocks, seats on the floor in modern offices no longer surprise anyone. It is not only a place for relaxation, but also for business meetings in an informal atmosphere that can positively influence creativity. These are places that are especially popular in IT companies and related sectors.
In large corporations and international companies there are more and more hotel rooms that can be used by employees after a long flight or many hours of negotiations. Such demanding work needs much more than a nap room, which is why more and more companies decide to break the patterns. Nevertheless, it is still the domain of an organization with appropriate work culture, involving large amounts of money in the arrangement of the office.
A coffee break is also relaxing
The company and employees will benefit even from the rearrangement of meeting places by the coffee machine. Apart from moments of rest, they can be a source of interesting business chats. Especially that some companies are starting to combine them with video and teleconference zones. As a result, you can spend time with a cup in hand while still working hard.
Polish employers more and more often see the potential of a comfortable office for business development and attracting talented employees. For example, the company Codewise, which has as many as 2,000 in its office! It consists of a gym, yoga room, and music room.
