Published: January 16, 2007 08:02 pm            

Bangkok office institutes nap time

BANGKOK, Thailand — A Bangkok municipal office has launched a new program to increase productivity: Lights go out just past noon and civil servants are invited to take an afternoon nap.

Seeking to infuse city workers with a bit more pep, the Pathumwan district office in central Bangkok has set up a lunchtime “nap room” with soft music, sweet-smelling flowers and strict rules barring mobile phones and talking, said Surakiet Limcharoen, the district’s top official who started the program.

“I’ve been taking naps at lunchtime for a long time, and decided to introduce the project to my staff in November,” he said, noting that many use the naps to recharge their batteries ahead of evening shifts.

Of 200 employees at the municipal office, there are about 20 regular nappers who have reported feeling “fresher and brighter” after a midday snooze, Surakiet said.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.