Napping: The Unexpected Productivity Tool

A NASA study on pilots found that napping for less than half an hour increased their performance by 34%. That’s a pretty hefty boost for an age-old, low-tech solution.

Many workers are already napping on the job, but they do it secretly because it’s associated with goofing off, not improving productivity. Taking a nap may be what doing yoga or drinking water used to be: an activity that seems self-indulgent and, well, too enjoyable to have any business benefit.

You could curl up on a shelf under your desk, like George Costanza, but according to TIME magazine, some companies are installing sleek, futuristic pods for employees to nap in. Although companies initially installed them as a fun perk, they are also becoming aware of the power of napping to replenish energy and increase productivity. Bring your own teddy bear.

Article credit: Claire Tompkins