A siesta is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some countries, particularly those where the weather is warm. The word siesta is Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta - "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest"). (Thanks, Wikipedia!)
I saw a funny commercial on Nick Jr. The scene was a cubicle-filled office. A mid-level employee was wandering down the hallway, clutching a paper. It was completely quiet, except for a phone that rang and rang and rang, unanswered. The guy was calling out an employee's name because he needed a signature. Then he looks down and realizes, everyone is napping on the floor, just like in daycare. They're all sprawled out on cots and sleeping bags with their arms flung over their eyes to block the fluorescent lighting.
The point of the commercial is to reinforce that this station's programming is "like preschool, on television." But I couldn't get beyond hello? DAYTIME NAPS! THE WHOLE DEPARTMENT! AT THE SAME TIME!
When my oldest boys were still little and I was working full-time, I used to fantasize about leaving the office to just go home and SLEEP. When the fantasy became all-consuming – and it did, from time to time – I would feign illness, excuse myself early, take a few hours of sick leave, and nap.
(Sorry, Tom. I made up the headaches, the nausea. But you forgive me now, right? I mean, this was, like, ten years ago!)
My kids would rather die than close their eyes in the middle of the day. As an adult, I don’t think preschoolers realize how good they have it. They GET to NAP! Every day!!
If I were in charge, daily snoozes would be required. Of course, everyone knows you can't just leave employees to their own devices or things will spiral out of control. No; there would have to be an official policy providing strict guidelines. It would be in the Employee Handbook. I would write it. It would go something like this:
4.12. SANCTIONED NAPPING
In order to provide rest and refreshment, so that employees may better focus on work, the hours between 1pm and 3pm, Monday through Friday, are designated mandatory nap hours. During this time, employees are required to observe a two hour rest period. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
- All electronic devices must be turned off. This includes Blackberries. Phones must be forwarded into voice mail and all ringers silenced.
- All lights shall be dimmed or turned off. Window shades will be pulled down.
- Employees with offices shall close their doors. Employees with cubicles may use the designated nap areas located throughout the office suite. The lobby doors to the suite will be locked so that no one may gain unauthorized access from the outside.
- The reception desk will be closed and a sign posted that all deliveries must be made between the hours of 8am-1pm or 3pm-6pm.
- No meetings may be scheduled during this time. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Employees working a flex hours must plan their schedule around this rest period.
- Telecommuting employees should remember that home office staff will not be available during this time, and may also take advantage of this mid-day rest period. Like you don't already.
- Part-time employees may observe a rest period prorated in the same percentage as their work schedule. For example, an employee working a schedule of 30 hours/week may take a 90 minute daily rest period (75% of 120 minutes).
- Employees may not shorten the nap period in exchange for leaving early or arriving late.
- Those who do not wish to or are unable to sleep may continue to recline quietly, perhaps reading a non work-related book or listening to quiet music via headphones.
- All nap hours must be recorded on timesheets under the appropriate charge code. The "Naptime" charge code may only be used on workdays. Employees who are off work sick will charge the full day to sick leave.
- At 3pm, all employees must be at their desks, awake, and ready to resume work. Timesheets will be docked for every five minutes any napping that occurs after this time.
- Company logo pillows, blankets, and nap mats are issued to all employees during orientation. Additional sets may be ordered through the Marketing department.
- Report all disruptions, such as snoring or talking during sleep, to your supervisor or your Human Resources Representative. For chronic snoring, referrals to the EAP and/or a qualified medical professional may be made.
- Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
