Metronap Energypod
The name Metronap is an almost self-explanatory description of what they do. This company, headquartered in the Empire State Building, believes that workforce productivity can be enhanced with mid-day napping equipment and education. As for the educational aspect, they hold an Enhanced Energy Seminar to teach employees effective sleep techniques, but it is their equipment, the Engergypod, that interested me.
The Energypod is a quasi-futuristic looking piece of work that allows employees to take a little (hopefully approved) siesta while on the job. The dome, also known as a privacy shield, comes down in order to get a "room within a room" so you can take your mind out of the workplace. After the pod comfortably reclines, music then helps take you away to dreamland. An acoustic alarm and gentle vibration wake you up, 20 minutes later.
You may not think that 20 minutes is long enough for a good nap, but professional tennis star Tim Henman claims that he slept like a baby for 20 minutes. The other companies have similar assessments on the quality (not quanity) amount of sleep. The Energypod costs about $8,000, which is a high price to pay for good sleep.
Assuming that it does work, I've got to admit, these things have to take up a lot of space. Can you imagine the awkwardness when a client asks a business "what's that?". Especially after the business honestly responds: "Oh, that's a Metronap Energypod. It allows the company to take naps on the job."
Personally, I have come to the job tired, and could have easily taken a 20 minute nap on my lunchbreak. It would have been nice if there were facilities. However, I am a little concerned about what would happen if every workplace got these facilities.
But imagine if they were cheaper, and every business had them. I realize that many people have slept at the office, but we're talking employers who have the power over when you can sleep. It would be like your mom sending you out to take a nap when you get unruly. Worse yet, can an employer say: "We had a project that came up at the last minute. I know you usually get off work now, so take a nap in the EnergyPod and work until you finish it.".
Maybe it would be better if these EnergyPods stayed out of the workplace and in spas, or something. Personally, if I wanted good sleep I would keep it out of the office.
- metronaps
Metronaps is currently offering tiny sleep pods for rental in cities located across the world. Known as the EnergyPod, this unique rest module was created to help enhance powernapping at work, enabling workers to get short bursts of rest... - http://www.metronaps.com/
MetroNaps enhances workforce productivity through educational seminars and mid-day napping equipment.