International Stress Awareness Week: Can a short nap at work reduce stress and boost productivity?

-

International Stress Awareness Week: Can a short nap at work boost productivity?

In light of International Stress Awareness Week (4th – 8th November), a company has put forward a motion that naps at work could lead to staff feeling refreshed, more alert and energized.

This suggestion has come from Sumo Sleep, a company that specialises in weighted blankets. Weighted blankets are heavier blankets which are thought to make the person using them feel calmer when they sleep as a result of the pressure coming from it.

Sumo Sleep points out that employers have a duty of care to their employees and that introducing workplace naps could ease stress and anxiety. Being stressed can also lead to damages to your personal health and to take time off work.

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

Google has introduced the idea of nap pods, where employees can go take a nap in a designated area of the office.

Sumo Sleep believes naps can be very beneficial, allowing your whole body to take a rest from the stressful day a worker may be facing. Only a 20-minute nap can lead to an afternoon of productive work.

Giles Watkins, author of the book Positive Sleep said:

Naps are a powerful way to upgrade your night’s sleep and have proven benefits to your health and your thinking. Short naps have been shown to reduce your stress and enhance your immune system, as well as reducing both blood pressure and the incidence of heart attacks. Supporters of naps range from Winston Churchill to NASA! So, for a business that wants its employees to be more alert with improved focus on results, to be more accurate and solve problems better, I strongly recommend that naps can form part of the answer!

Abeer Iqbal, founder of Sumo Sleep said:

For businesses to support employee’s health and wellbeing, one of the biggest attributes is sleep health. Sleep plays a big part in allowing us to recover from the stresses and strains of the day.

Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.

Latest news

Superdry co-founder’s victim warns workplace power can silence abuse victims

A survivor's account raises questions about speaking-up cultures and accountability in organisations.

UK’s always-on work culture ‘driving employee burnout’

Nearly half of UK workers say they end most working days mentally exhausted as rising workplace pressure leaves employees and managers struggling to switch off.

Andrew Murray on why no two days look alike

A people development leader shares how travel, training and a passion for helping others shape a working day with little room for routine.

Lucy Standing: Older workers are back in the centre of the hiring debate – ready to lead the response?

For HR leaders, the argument is simple: the people being filtered out of your hiring process are not past their best.
- Advertisement -

One in 10 women quit work after pregnancy loss, report finds

Research suggests inconsistent workplace support following pregnancy loss and maternity leave is contributing to resignations and poorer mental wellbeing.

Fear of becoming obsolete grips workers as AI reshapes careers

More than two in five workers worry their skills could become outdated as AI reshapes hiring demands and increases pressure to keep learning.

Must read

Arran Heal: Why good workplace cultures keeps winning over cash for employees

"In the challenging years to come, it is toxic cultures that will destroy businesses over time."

Richard Prime: LinkedIn – Asset or Adversary?

A decade ago, many recruiters were in two minds...
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you