Should Employees Be Allowed to Sleep During Working Hours?

If you're coming from the East (or have been assigned there), then sleeping at work is not an issue at all. You might have second thoughts after boarding the Tokyo Metro, on your way to Odaiba, where you may want to see the replica of the Statue of Liberty. A visibly-tired employee, who seemed heavily asleep during the train ride, would distract you, though.

The topic of sleeping at work could be a debatable topic in America. For instance, the California employment law would state that employees are allowed an uninterrupted 30-minute lunch break. This rule should pertain to non-exempt employees and could be interpreted as that time of the (working) day when bosses (or supervisors) would relieve employees of all duties. In other words, employees could do anything they want to do. Power nap should be one of those things. There would be a catch, though.

It might not be good to doze off on your desk while the lights are on. A colleague or two might remain on the desk during the lunch break, probably finishing a task that should have been done before the morning period is over. Bosses (or supervisors) may not have discussed it with employees, where curtains should be untied (to darken the room). The company may (or may not) provide throw pillows to sleep on. Employees who don't feel like taking a nap must go somewhere else. On the other hand, employees who wouldn't want to clarify this matter could play around the rule. (Bosses have too many things to do, as they don't have the time to move around the office. Someone might be sleeping under the table, which might be located on the far end.)

Sleeping at work, or siesta time, could have long-term benefits. Employee performance won't dip after lunch hour. Some may not mind working overtime. (Friday can be an exception.) Sleep should lighten up the mood, which could yield to other (favorable) results. This subject matter may not be on the top of the list, which includes salary and other benefits. It could have serious consequences if one won't address it right away.

5 Ways to Avoid the 40 Winks

Sleep seven hours or more. Our northern neighbors (or many of them) have managed to have uninterrupted sleep for seven hours or more. Some cynics might point out the colder weather, forgetting Tim Hortons along the way. Canadians must have a high level of self discipline to do it for such a time, and they are not alone. (Germans and Mexicans have made long sleep a priority.) It's not the case with the Japanese employees (or many of them), which could be due to their workaholic culture. It's not difficult to relate to them. It doesn't mean that we must sleep less, as the body heals itself. A few hours of sleep (or no sleep) can lead to a variety of illnesses.

Go to bed early. It's the only way to have that seven-hour sleep (or more). You should give up a lot of luxuries (or bad habits), like late-night viewing of Netflix shows. If you have a certain lifestyle to keep for a certain period, like going to the gym, then you need a budget to maintain it. You could get into trouble if you have that undesirable habit of waking up late and procrastinating in your preparation for the first day of the working week.

Don't drink too much coffee. You should need it during the working hours, but the afternoon period could pose a dilemma. If you have done your tasks, then you might fancy skipping another cup of coffee (or your third for the day). You may have regrets when you start counting those winks. Have another fill if you still have a task (or two) to finish.

Sweat it off (and sweat some more). Exercising should keep you wide awake, if not energized, throughout the day. You won't need caffeine as long as you don't eat lots of donuts.

Prioritize your tasks. The most challenging tasks must be done during the morning period. It should leave you with lighter responsibilities during the afternoon. You may (or may not) have another cup of coffee in the afternoon, but make sure that you won't exert too much effort. You might not overcome the exhaustion.

Know Your Rights, But Sleeping May Not Be Included

It would help if you should make a thorough research on sleeping at work, if there's a certain law in the state where your company is located. Then again, you shouldn't go through that length. There's nothing wrong about asking your boss (or supervisor) first hand. It won't be the right time to bring up the subject during the interview, though. (And you must hold your tongue during your first month in the office.)

If you don't get a favorable response, then it doesn't mean that you must sleep on the sly (during your break). You're taking a huge risk if you do it, as you can't expect your colleague(s) to watch your back. You're old enough to know what is right and wrong.