January 31, 2007
Tired at Work? Consider a Move to France!
Napping on the job would get most American workers a reprimand and, if the habit continues, a pink slip.
But in France, a study is being proposed to see what health benefits could be reaped by sleeping during work hours:
France launched plans this week to spend $9 million this year to improve public awareness about sleeping troubles. About one in three French people suffer from them, the ministry says.
Fifty-six percent of French complain that a poor night's sleep has affected their job performance, according to the ministry.
"Why not a nap at work? It can't be a taboo subject," Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said Monday. He called for further studies and said he would promote on-the-job naps if they prove useful.
The French have 35-hour workweeks. They also have five weeks of vacation...not because they earn them, but because the government dictates to businesses how much vacation time they must offer. France may be number five on this list of countries by GDP, but the US has a GDP more than five times that of France.
And their government is thinking of giving a green light to snoozing at work? George Costanza would give his eyeteeth to be Fwench!
Show Comments »
And this is news in France how? Do they think they are alone in sleep deprivation? Is it really always all about them?
They get 5 weeks vacation mandated by the government; many companies also give out a couple of extra weeks, PLUS sick time that can be carried over and used as supplemental vacation time, PLUS all the holidays they get. So...let them sleep at work. Doesn't seem like it will be much of a change...
Posted by: Kris, in New England at February 1, 2007 09:40 AM
