# What Would YOU Do? \[Co-working napping on job\]
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [September 9, 2014, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998 "2014-09-09T19:18:21Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/21 "2014-09-09T20:36:41Z")
A 15 minute power nap is rejuvenating and refreshing and probably makes her a dynamo worker the rest of the day. I sense a bit of envy.
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### Author:  [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/22 "2014-09-09T20:39:44Z")
I was a person’s supervisor many years ago. We each had offices. I dropped in on him one day to alert him to some almighty important piece of news or assignment. About two minutes after I began talking, I noticed his eyes were closed and his head was resting on his shoulder.
I tried to gently wake him, that didn’t work, nor did more vigorous shaking and jostling…so we called an ambulance. He woke up on the way to the hospital and agreed to be admitted to see why he lost consciousness.
Tests did not reveal any anomalies. He returned to work two days later and didn’t, so far as I know, have any recurrence of the unexpected loss of consciousness in the future. In fact, he received a promotion not long thereafter and rose to be a Regional comptroller before I lost track of him.
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### Author:  [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/23 "2014-09-09T20:42:55Z")
I would take a picture of her and make it the profile pic for her on my phone
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### Author:  [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/24 "2014-09-09T20:57:06Z")
If she’s meeting her deadlines and following through with her work, who cares what she does with her time?
I mean this for you, her, your coworkers, her boss, errbody!
I wish I could nap in the afternoon.
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### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/25 "2014-09-09T21:17:44Z")
> [@dracoi](#):
>
> In the US, everyone is allowed a 15-minute break for every 4 hours of work. So if her nap is conforming to that standard and company policy permits breaks to be taken at the worker’s desk, then I see no problem.
That might be true in some states, but not in all of them.
Officially, the state of Wisconsin recommends, but does not require, a 30 minute break if the work period is 6 hours or longer (and the employee isn’t under 18).
[http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor\_standards\_bureau/breaks\_and\_meals.htm](http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor_standards_bureau/breaks_and_meals.htm)
> **[Wisconsin Legislature: DWD 274.02](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dwd/270_279/274/02)**
>
> Hours Of Work And Overtime
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### Author:  [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/26 "2014-09-09T21:25:35Z")
I wouldn’t nark her out, but I’d gossip about her and probably get a few pics. Cause that’s the way I roll.
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### Author:  [@common\_good](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/common_good)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/27 "2014-09-09T21:52:58Z")
I’ve never had a job at which one could fall asleep. I’d be dead if I did. And so would many others, in all likelihood. Working in an office sure sounds hard. (chortle)
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### Author:  [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/28 "2014-09-09T22:10:04Z")
If it’s a sudden new behavior, I would advise waiting. Once she gets out if the first trimester, it will be better.
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### Author:  [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/29 "2014-09-09T23:07:52Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#):
>
> That might be true in some states, but not in all of them.
>
> Officially, the state of Wisconsin recommends, but does not require, a 30 minute break if the work period is 6 hours or longer (and the employee isn’t under 18).
> [http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor\_standards\_bureau/breaks\_and\_meals.htm](http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor_standards_bureau/breaks_and_meals.htm)
> [Wisconsin Legislature: DWD 274.02](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/dwd/270_279/274/02)
Oh, thanks for the correction. The states I’ve worked and done payroll for have had the same policies - 15 minutes paid break per 4 hours, 30 minute minimum lunch (unpaid) if 6 or more hours. Because of the similarity, I assumed they were federal regulations, but it looks like they’re not. (Which is why I’ve learned to look up everything like that when it directly affects me, no matter how “obvious” it seems.)
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### Author:  [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2014, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/30 "2014-09-09T23:41:41Z")
Actually happened to me. The next guy over was asleep and snoring…and here comes the boss.
I crumpled up a sheet of paper and tossed it over the divider, to wake the guy up. It worked.
He didn’t last very long anyway.
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### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/31 "2014-09-10T00:01:02Z")
> [@dracoi](#):
>
> Oh, thanks for the correction. The states I’ve worked and done payroll for have had the same policies - 15 minutes paid break per 4 hours, 30 minute minimum lunch (unpaid) if 6 or more hours. Because of the similarity, I assumed they were federal regulations, but it looks like they’re not. (Which is why I’ve learned to look up everything like that when it directly affects me, no matter how “obvious” it seems.)
I know that one because, after explaining our break policy (paid half hour), I’ll occasionally get know-it-alls that will say “well, you have to give me a half hour break BY LAW anyways”. Usually I’ll nicely respond with “actually, no we don’t, we just choose to”, but sometimes I’ll say “really, I haven’t seen that law, can you show it to me?”.
I don’t know of any employers that don’t give their employees a break on an 8 hour shift, it’s just funny (to me) how many people ‘know’ the law, when really they’re just spouting off information they made up just to stick it to me (I’m the man in their eyes). Usually, in that specific argument, I quickly realize that you’re arguing that you get a break ‘by law’ and I’m giving you one, so who cares why you’re getting it, you got it, move on and I walk away. But, hey, go ahead, keep arguing with your new boss, way to make a good impression on your first day!
Anyways, I think most (I could be way wrong here) labor laws are set by the state. At least I hope so, when I have a labor law question, I’ve never looked at the CFR for reference. It probably makes a difference that my store is small, so things like OSHA and Unions don’t come into play. Even ACA doesn’t much apply to me.
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### Author:  [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/32 "2014-09-10T00:25:39Z")
If I were in that situation, it wouldn’t bother me.
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### Author:  [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/33 "2014-09-10T00:42:04Z")
None of the above. I’d ask them about it later. Happened to a guy in my office, turned out he had sleep apnea. Great worker, smart guy. We just let him alone until he wakes, or a phone call does.
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### Author:  [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/34 "2014-09-10T00:51:03Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#):
>
> Anyways, I think most (I could be way wrong here) labor laws are set by the state. At least I hope so, when I have a labor law question, I’ve never looked at the CFR for reference. It probably makes a difference that my store is small, so things like OSHA and Unions don’t come into play. Even ACA doesn’t much apply to me.
It is a mix of both federal and state laws. Minimum wage is a good example. States cannot set a minimum lower than the federal, but they’re allowed to set one higher if they like.
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### Author:  [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/35 "2014-09-10T00:52:36Z")
I’d use my imagination and try to imagine all the reasons this might be perfectly acceptable possibly to the boss, who may well be aware of the situation, for all I know.
For instance, while she hasn’t advertised it, possibly her brother is in hospital dying of Aids. Or she’s nursing a dying parent or caregiving a sickly child or going through a horrific divorce, or staying in a women’s shelter where she doesn’t sleep well, etc, etc.
In short I can think of a lot of reasons why this might be okay with the boss. If you were in some wretched situation wouldn’t you want some of the same consideration? The discretion to not tell the whole office the details? I would.
And until I know otherwise, I’ll choose to assume she/they have a good reason. Because it costs me nothing to do so!
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### Author:  [@MagicEyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MagicEyes)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/36 "2014-09-10T00:53:06Z")
If I thought I could get away with it, I’d take naps at my desk all the time. I heard Pinterest has a nap room. I should see if they have any job openings.
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### Author:  [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/37 "2014-09-10T08:25:24Z")
[Power naps](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_nap) are considered unprofessional? Not in my office, where we have a couch set aside for just that purpose, but napping at your desk is also OK.
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### Author:  [@TheSeaOtter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSeaOtter)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/38 "2014-09-10T15:24:29Z")
People who take naps are healthier and do better work. You should try it. Failing that, you should try not to worry about it.
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### Author:  [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/39 "2014-09-10T15:31:31Z")
I nap under my desk at times but I work in a very strange place.
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### Author:  [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2014, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-co-working-napping-on-job/697998/40 "2014-09-10T15:32:43Z")
Ask her politely if she would like a wake-up call.
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