The last thing employees want to see on their annual performance review is an accusation of being lazy. But spending some time in a horizontal position at work isn’t necessarily a problem. It might actually help people be more productive. Let’s see how more work could get done when employees lie down on the job.
Getting the Creative Juices Flowing
According to the latest from “New Way of Working”, one psychology professor in Austria is convinced that people are better at solving problems when they are lying down. It has to do with noradrenaline levels. Apparently, less of this hormone is released in the reclining position and creativity is enhanced as a result. The NewWOW blog suggests that employers should add “thinking couches” so employees can stretch out a la Don Draper (but without the booze and cigarettes).
Sleeping on the Job Isn’t Always Bad
If you provide a comfortable place for people to lie down, what’s to prevent them from taking a nap? Hopefully your company policies won’t interfere with workers getting a little shuteye. There’s plenty of evidence that taking a power nap during the work day can actually boost performance. The staff at the Huffington Post get that opportunity with private areas labelled “Napquest I and II”. As veteran office nappers, they offer tips on how to do it right here. Interestingly, they claim that drinking a cup of coffee immediately before a 20 minute nap is smart. By the time the caffeine really kicks in, you’ve had a chance to get some refreshing sleep and awake to full alertness.
Sitting Is Bad for You, Why Not Lie Down?
We all know by now that staying in a seated position for hours every day contributes to all sorts of health problems from diabetes and heart disease to stroke. But not everyone can stand all day either—that’s a recipe for strained muscles and varicose veins. Lying down offers a third alternative. Michael Moffa at Recruiter.com makes a strong case for this position. He points out that it relieves pressure on the spine, fully supports the neck, head, and arms, and keeps blood from pooling in the legs. Interestingly, lying supine (face up) is such a popular work posture that there are even upside down laptop trays for just this purpose!
