February 9, 2007
Remember those massive demonstrations against a French law that made it easier for employees to fire workers? Now the French have spawned yet another workforce oddity—at least by American standards. Specifically, the French health minister wants a study to investigate the possible benefits of short naps on the job. An Associated Press report details the idea amidst plans by the French government to spend $9 million this year to improve public awareness of sleeping troubles.
According to the ministry, about one in three French people suffer from sleep disorders. And despite a 35-hour work week and ample vacation, more than half complain that a bad night’s sleep has had an impact on their job performance. “Why not a nap at work? It can’t be a taboo subject,” Health Minister Xavier Bertrand is quoted as saying. He called for studies on the benefits of napping and said he would promote on-the-job naps if they prove useful. In addition to job performance, Bertrand said sleepiness causes 20% to 30% of highway accidents across France each year.
Read the Associated Press report at [removed]http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070131/france_naps_at_work.html?.v=2[/removed]
