Coffee Or Sleep? What's Better For Work Productivity?

Which of the following provides greater value:

3.5 hours of productive work 4 hours of unproductive work 2. 1.

If you are like most people you would choose the second option, 3.5 hours of productive work.

Catching an employee sleeping is normally a cause for immediate dismissal. After lunch naps have been stigmatized as a sign of weakness and energy is a sign of strength. Most work places do not provide the facilities to take a nap. But how do you sleep if you're at work? To be productive you need to get enough sleep.

So instead of having a cup of coffee when you feel fatigued after lunch, a short nap instead would do wonders. But, recent scientific studies have shown that we tend to feel sleepy between the hours of 2 pm and 4 pm and that a 15 to 30 minute "power nap" can increase our energy, alertness, and productivity.

For employers, providing facilities for afternoon naps or "mini siestas" will increase your employees' productivity, make them healthier, more alert, and happier. It is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Lack of sleep is a major problem in today's society. The health risks are extensive. Among other things, lack of sleep increases stress; stress can increase blood pressure, heart disease, migraines, eczema, psoriasis, and can cause sexual problems. An unhealthy employee is a bad employee.

So, if you are a manager or business leader what do you do? Provide napping facilities for your employees and watch your company's productivity soar. Forget about the coffee machines; provide a few beds. Don't be afraid of change. Do what's right. You might lose 20 minutes of actual work time but the after nap time will be so much more productive that you won't even notice.

Take a 15 to 30 minute nap and the remaining 3.5 hours will be more productive. 4 hours of work time left after lunch.