Here’s the headline of a recent article from Businessweek – “Napping Your Way To The Top“. I’m at a loss… Can’t say I’m overly surprised by anything I read or hear these days… but, really??? I read another article referencing this one, that gave ideas on how to find good places for a nap at work. We’ve made the comment in the past to “fire all the lazy people”, now I’m thinking we might have to amend that with… “and the sleepy people too”. Who knows, maybe the new healthcare law has a provision requiring employers to allow for nap time. If it’s good for pre-k it must be good for adults.
Let’s get real… engaged employees love what they do and are energized by the work. Employees working in areas of talent can’t get enough of their work. Managers who spend most of their time with their best people are excited about work. Those that don’t party ’til 2am or stay up past midnight playing on facebook and the internet tend to be more alert during the day.
If you find that this “nap” article really defines you or the author really relates to who you are, then consider a few options other than the nap, because we’re assuming your company and your boss haven’t drunk the cool aide yet…
- The 5-hour energy option – Keep a stash in your desk and take one every two hours.
- Organize your life option – Get on a family schedule that allows for more sleep. I cringe when seeing parents with their pre-teen kids at Wal-Mart on a school night after 10pm. I’m guessing they’ll be sleepy the next day.
- Get a new job option – If you’re a night person and you have a day job, consider a new career working the night shift at Wal-Mart or a convenience store.
- Man up or Woman up option – Adults have responsibilities and commitments… own them. We all get tired, stressed and even sleepy at times.
- Engagement option – Make sure you love what you do. Work in a career that matches your talents and you’ll never want to sleep at work again.
Napping on the job is the same as theft, getting paid for not working. If you have to take a power nap at lunch on your own time, that’s your business. Other than that, wake up and get over it. Now have a cup of coffee and get back to work!
