Research published in the Harvard Business Review has shown that employees can greatly improve their productivity by taking a short nap during their workday.

The research showed that the more hours one works continuously, the greater the toll on performance, and it was recommended that three ways to fit in nap include:

  • Schedule a time. Between 1pm and 3pm is the best time. Mark it in your calendar so you are more likely to take it.
  • Find a quiet place. Close your door and put up a "do not disturb" sign. If you work in a cubicle, look for a conference room, or a local coffee shop or library.
  • Tune out. Turn off your technology and set an alarm for 20 or 30 minutes (longer naps can leave you hazy). Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Even if you don't fall asleep, this relaxation will ensure you rest.

The power nap phenomenon is not simply a wacky notion, and taking a short rest during the workday has been facilitated by a growing number of Australian workplaces.

Alla Keogh, iSelect HR director, said her company has a 'nap pod' and allows people to take 15 minutes out of their day to switch off from the busy work environment and emerge feeling refreshed.

Keogh said the privilege was never abused, because of a "performance driven environment, ...so people come here to work, they don't muck around. We just provide them with some opportunities to break out during the day."

She also emphasized the importance of understanding individual workforces and finding something everyone can benefit from.

"There's no point putting in all these funky benefits if your culture doesn't support them and if they don't sit comfortably in the culture. Leadership and culture have to underpin whatever it is you're trying to achieve with your benefits program," Keogh said.