How to Set Up a Nap Room in Your Company?

Sometimes, we don’t know where to start when creating a dedicated nap space. Room size, colors, lighting, ambiance—there are so many things to consider. In this article, we provide our best tips for creating the ideal rest room for your employees!


First, Consult Your Employees

It is important to involve your employees in the development of this project. After all, this space is primarily for them, and their input matters. Therefore, you should consult them beforehand to gather their preferences and engage them with the new rest area.

How to ask them about it? You can set up an anonymous internal survey or even organize an awareness day to educate your employees about napping at work, either in person or via video. To learn more about our various workshops, click here.

These actions will allow your employees to freely express their opinions on the new nap room.

Next, Find the Perfect Location

Planning the layout of a rest room requires careful consideration. To choose the ideal location, opt for a well-ventilated room. Equip your nap pods with blankets so that users can use them if needed.

Don’t forget to strategically think about the placement of your nap room.

Ideally, the nap space should be relatively central and not located next to the management offices. This is because employees may feel uncomfortable if they perceive that management is monitoring them during their rest time. Most importantly, the space should be in a quiet area and preferably away from the cafeteria, so that everyone can enjoy a nap at any time

Create a Calming Nap Room

Create a Restful Atmosphere
When it comes to decorating, the first rule is: the nap room should not remind employees of work. The goal is to create an ambiance that invites calm and offers a clear departure from the rest of the office. Start by opting for a simple and minimalist décor. The idea is not to distract your employees but to help them relax.

How? Favor neutral and soft colors, paired with cool tones of white and pastel colors, to create a serene and warm atmosphere. For a more cozy feel, place rugs on the floor, add green plants, hang pictures, and install ambient lighting. You can also decorate the walls and enhance the ambiance with various elements.

For example, you could use personalized stickers to easily create a unique environment. If you need inspiration, consider Nap&Up wall stickers that are easy to install. Whether you choose a mountain or a nature theme, you just need to pick the one you like.

If you want a glimpse of how the display pack looks in a nap room, you can check out the Quiet Zone!

To promote real disconnection, engage all the senses of your employees. Use the Nap&Up app with relaxation audios, ambient sounds, and short stories for a moment of well-being. You might also equip your nap room with an In-spir diffuser. A pleasant scent can help reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and enhance overall well-being.

Prioritize Quality Equipment

The equipment in the rest room is crucial for creating a true escape. Since it’s a break room, comfort is key. The goal is to create an environment where employees feel comfortable and can relax peacefully.

Nap pods are an excellent way to provide a serene break at work, as they offer isolation and a true bubble of disconnection.

Note that for napping, it’s better not to lie completely flat. The zero-gravity position, with slightly elevated legs, is recommended. The nap pod with micro-sleeping inclination is perfect for relaxation. This position keeps the spine in a neutral posture, improves blood circulation, and relieves the back, providing optimal rest for your employees.

Depending on the size of your company, it might be useful to have several nap pods. Don’t hesitate to contact us; we are experienced in estimating this based on the number of your employees. You can also add a couch or poufs to create a comfortable and cozy space.

Create a Space Away from Noise and Light

If your chosen room lacks sound insulation, consider some small techniques to prevent noise disruptions in the nap room.

Since sound is a major factor in ruining naps, you should design your nap space accordingly.

Install carpet or a thick rug on the floor to provide sound insulation. For example, a large rug can reduce sound transmission by about 10 dB, while thick carpeting can reduce it by approximately 20 dB. To prevent disturbances from people entering and exiting the room, consider installing a door closer. Add a sign outside the nap room to remind people to keep noise to a minimum, as naps may be in progress. You can also equip your nap room with A-cloud acoustic panels to minimize noise disruptions and maximize your employees’ rest!

Regarding lighting, it is important not to have total darkness. Opt for adjustable lighting, or better yet, if you can have natural light, add sheer curtains to create a softly filtered natural light.

Avoid harsh artificial lighting, as it is not conducive to this recovery phase.

For some employees, setting up a nap space can be a crucial factor. According to a 2022 study by QAPA, 72% of French workers would like to be able to nap at their workplace. A nap room offers many benefits at the office! If you want to learn more, here’s the article: 5 Good Reasons to Install a Nap Space in Your Company.

Did you know?

The importance of napping at work is gaining increasing recognition in the professional world!

  • Boost in Productivity: Studies show that a nap of 10 to 20 minutes can improve alertness and concentration by an average of 30%. This contributes to better work performance, particularly in tasks requiring creativity and problem-solving.

  • Impact on Mental Health: Regular napping can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. By incorporating relaxation breaks into the daily routine, employees can better manage pressure and improve their overall well-being.

  • Asset for the Company: Companies that provide nap spaces often see a decrease in sick leave. By taking care of their employees’ health, they reduce absenteeism and increase staff loyalty.

  • Optimizing Circadian Rhythm: The best time to nap is generally between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., when the body’s circadian rhythm naturally causes an energy dip. Napping during this period allows for recharging without disrupting nighttime sleep.

  • Changing Attitudes: Major companies like Google, Nike, and Procter & Gamble have already adopted nap rooms, recognizing that rested employees are more innovative and engaged.

Sources

  • QAPA Study, 2022.
  • NASA Study on cognitive performance and alertness after napping.
  • Research from the University of California, Berkeley on napping and stress reduction.
  • Research by Dr. Sara Mednick from the University of California on circadian rhythm and napping.
  • Press articles and case studies on Google, Nike, and Procter & Gamble regarding the adoption of nap rooms.
  • Publications in the Harvard Business Review and the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology on the benefits of relaxation breaks at work.

Author: Juliette Riffaud
#InSiesteWeTrust

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