This week’s Mediahuis Irish regional newspapers’ column.
Michael Commane
A cousin of mine, who works here in Ireland for a multi national corporation, received a call from a colleague in Paris, asking what was the possibility of the company having a ‘nap room’.
My cousin’s initial reaction was that it was a ridiculous idea but he decided to survey other sites around the world. To his surprise he found that several of them had a room set aside for either prayer or meditation, sometimes called a ‘Calm Room’.
Whether it was a coincidence or because it was on his mind, the following day he saw a colleague in a small room roll out a mat to say their prayers facing Mecca.
The room is usually used for private phone calls and not suitable for much else.
It dawned on him that this is exactly what the caller from Paris was talking about. And he could see why there was need for a private space, where people can get away from their work, meditate and yes, maybe on occasion have a short nap.
I can hear you laughing and saying to yourself that I’m suggesting people should be allowed sleep while on the job.
I spent eight years working in a hospital, which provides a silent room where staff can relax and take a short break. It is a brilliant idea and is proving a great success for staff.
I found it a great place to relax, unwind and power up my batteries.
People use it at all hours of the day and I think I can say with certainty that it is not being abused.
How easy it is for something to be lost in translation. Of course the French man was not looking for a place to sleep, he was looking for a space where staff could take a few minutes out, gather their thoughts and relax. And how such a room, besides giving new life to body and soul, also improves a relationship of goodwill between management and staff. A ‘nap room’ is a powerful and positive addition to the workplace. It provides a sanctuary, gives staff more energy and drives us on to do a better job.
Besides that, it helps break down the ‘them versus us’ mentality that can so easily plague the workplace.
Less stick more carrot always works. When workers are content and happy in their employment they have a far better chance of giving of their best. It has often crossed my mind that companies and organisations are inclined to use HR departments as the mouthpiece of management. HR is what it says on the tin - human resources - and a major part of its remit is to take good care of employees.
When staff feel appreciated and wanted it’s as sure as night follows day that they will give of their best to the job. A chill-out room certainly goes a long way in making staff feel good towards their employer,
Indeed it will also help give workers a sense of their own worth. But not a good idea to it call it a ‘nap room’. And for all sorts of reasons.
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