Twenty employees of an East Coast firm can sign up for nap time twice a week and enjoy rejuvenation in the company’s “nap room.” The idea came about because of studies that fatigue can lead to workplace injury. Furthermore, lack of rest can reduce workplace productivity and quality, leading to higher overall costs for employers.
Contemporary workers feel pressure to work more hours and to work harder despite recent cutbacks of employee numbers in many industries. With the pressures of home, children and other personal factors, 43 percent of Americans now say they never get a good night’s sleep. Experts note that fatigued workers are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and have trouble concentrating than workers who are well-rested.
Nap rooms are one way employers are addressing the worker fatigue issue. A good night’s sleep is still the best way to cure chronic fatigue, and that may mean turning off electronics and taking steps to protect valuable sleep time. Workers who do have nap rooms available at work may be able to recharge and avoid serious accidents and injuries. At this time, however, only 5 percent of businesses so far have actually constructed or designated specific rooms for worker rest breaks.
Employees in Pennsylvania who are injured in workplace accidents may be able to recover damages by filing workers’ compensation claims. With the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer, employees may be able to recover the cost of medical care, lost wages during their recovery period and other expenses related to their workplace accidents.
Source: Delaware Online, “More employers setting up nap rooms for weary workers,” March 12, 2013