Sleepy At Work? Japanese Company Develops 'Nap Boxes' So Workers Can Sleep Standing Up During Shift

Japan is known for its groundbreaking creations and now the country is set to introduce standing sleep pods so employees can have a quick standing nap.

Tokyo-based office furniture supplier Itoki has collaborated with plywood supplier Koyoju Gohan KK, with the goal to offer a healthier solution for those wanting to take a quick nap during the day.

Itoki Corp

Japanese company develops 'nap boxes'

The overlong office hours have been a major concern among employees in Japan and the two companies are looking to provide a disruptive fix to the problem.

¡°In Japan, there are a lot of people who will lock themselves up in the bathroom for a while [to nap], which I don¡¯t think is healthy. It¡¯s better to sleep in a comfortable location," Saeko Kawashima, communications director of furniture maker Itoki, told Bloomberg News.

The device, which resembles a water heater, is designed in such a way that it ensures the head, knees, and back are sufficiently supported so that people will feel comfortable enough to lay back while not worrying about falling over.

Designers hope that the ¡®nap box¡¯ will help address Japan's strict office culture.

"I think a lot of Japanese people tend to work continuously with no breaks. We are hoping that companies can use this as a more flexible approach to resting, Kawashima said.

Indian start-up allows employees to sleep at work

Many companies across the globe are coming up with new ideas to help employees deal with long working hours.

A Bengaluru-based start-up Wakefit is allowing its 600 employees to sleep at work under their new 'right to nap' policy.

According to an internal email sent to employees in May, Wakefit co-founder Chaitanya Ramalingegowda announced that the staff members will now be allowed nap for up to 30 minutes at work.

Official Announcement ? #sleep #powernap #afternoonnap pic.twitter.com/9rOiyL3B3S

¡ª Wakefit Solutions (@WakefitCo) May 5, 2022

In a screenshot that was widely shared on social media, Ramalingegowda wrote in the email:

"We have decided to normalize afternoon naps at work and declare 2 to 2.30 pm as the official nap time for all our employees."

Citing studies from NASA and Harvard that suggested afternoon naps are linked to better performance and productivity, he wrote:

¡°We have been in the business of sleep for over six years now and yet, have failed to do justice to a crucial aspect of rest ¨C the afternoon nap."

In his mail, he added, ¡°Research shows that afternoon naps help with memory, concentration, creativity, and productivity. A NASA study reveals that a 26-minute catnap can enhance performance by 33%, while a Harvard study shows how naps prevent burnout.¡±

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