Where sleeping on the job is encouraged
By Joanie
@Freelanzer (10782)
Canada
August 15, 2018 1:51pm CST
Japanese workers are sleeping on the job and it is actually encouraged. It has been reported that Japanese workers have less sleep than any other major developed country. They start their work day early and work late into the evening and sometimes no amount of coffee will help you stay awake. Between tight schedules that include work and play there is little time left for sleep and many of us have been there.
I have nodded on the job a couple times during my work life when I was on a twelve hour shift. But if my boss had seen it I would have been in big trouble. However, things are different in Japanese culture. Within recent years, Japanese companies are making accommodations to facilitate napping on the job believing that a well rested employee is more productive.
Have you ever napped on the job?
If you've visited any big city in Japan, you've no doubt seen a fair few commuters sleeping on the subway. The more time you spend there, the more places in which you'll see normal, everyday-looking folks fast asleep: parks, coffee shops, bookstores, even
10 people like this
11 responses
@1hopefulman (45111)
• Canada
16 Aug 18
I think it's a good idea. Yes, I have napped but I was on commission and so the boss didn't really care.
One of the very first jobs I had, I would eat my lunch which took less than 30 minutes and nap the other 30. It felt so good. 
2 people like this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
16 Aug 18
It does feel good to have that power nap but I could only safely do so on my break.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
15 Aug 18
Very much so. It employees are putting in such long hours then its the least they can do.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
16 Aug 18
I wish other countries would adapt a similar policy
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
17 Aug 18
Seems it works in some cultures at least.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
18 Aug 18
that could be termed as 'power naps', because we can recharge our power by taking a few minutes to doze off and close our eyes.
1 person likes this
@renicemae (4883)
• Philippines
19 Dec 19
Oh Yeah. I took naps during break times.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
20 Dec 19
When I worked we had a room where we could go and have a nap on our break but I was always afraid that I would sleep past my break time.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
22 Dec 19
@renicemae I used to have two 15 mins and one 1/2 hour break in an 8 hour day.
@renicemae (4883)
• Philippines
21 Dec 19
@Freelanzer 
How many hours is your break time?
How many hours is your break time?1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (209221)
• United States
15 Aug 18
I think this is a wise move on the part of Japanese employers.
1 person likes this
@WendySpickerman (983)
• United States
15 Aug 18
Can you provide a link to said report, study, or news piece?
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
15 Aug 18
Sure. There are several reports but I will add one to the post.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
16 Aug 18
Not sure it would work here either as we don't put in - normally - as many hours as they do there.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
15 Aug 18
Japanese employers could be so kind to allow sleeping on the job! No I did not do it, unless it is noon break; just a few winks!
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
16 Aug 18
Yes I have mostly napped on my lunch break but there was the odd time I nodded off but caught myself very quickly.
