31 January 2025

I came across a recent and amusing story that perfectly illustrates some important workplace lessons. It’s about a company called Go-Jek, an Indonesian tech giant, which recently implemented a “mandatory nap policy” to promote employee well-being and productivity. The company introduced the policy after recognising that employees were feeling burnt out and productivity was dipping. They decided to give employees time during the workday to take naps, providing a designated quiet space for rest.

The idea behind this decision is based on research showing that short naps can improve focus, creativity, and overall cognitive function. According to Go-Jek, employees who used this time to recharge were able to return to their tasks with increased energy and concentration.

While this might sound like an unusual move, it’s a clever and light-hearted reminder of the importance of balance in the workplace. Here are a few key lessons we can implement from this story to enhance well-being in any corporate environment:

1. Prioritise Mental Health: Just like physical exercise, mental health needs attention. Encouraging moments of rest or reflection during the workday can help employees manage stress and avoid burnout. A “nap policy” might be extreme for some companies, but offering break times, relaxation spaces, or even mental health days can do wonders.

2. Emphasise Rest as Productive: We often equate productivity with constant activity, but research consistently shows that rest is crucial for sustained performance. By acknowledging that rest can improve productivity, companies can help reduce the guilt employees might feel for taking time off to recharge.

3. Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Fostering a work culture that values well-being means making time for employees to disconnect, relax, and even take a short nap if needed. It’s important for leaders to encourage employees to set boundaries and not to overwork themselves. Mental health initiatives—such as Go-Jek’s nap time—show a commitment to employee well-being, which ultimately supports long-term success and loyalty.

4. Be Open to Creative Solutions: As much as it’s a funny story, the idea of incorporating naps into the workday is an example of how thinking outside the box can lead to innovative solutions. Corporate environments should be open to trying new approaches that could improve employee satisfaction and health, whether it’s flexible work hours, mindfulness workshops, or, yes, nap rooms.

When employees are well-rested and supported, they’re more likely to thrive, both personally and professionally. It’s a fun, yet meaningful reminder that sometimes, taking a step back can lead to greater forward momentum.

7 March 2025

The £10,000 Question: What Happens When a Company Pays Employees to Take Time Off?

Burnout in the workplace is often worn like a badge of honour, but one company took an unconventional approach—paying employees to go on holiday. And the results were nothing short of extraordinary!

The Bold Experiment

Imagine being handed £10,000 by your employer with one condition: you must spend it on a holiday and fully disconnect from work. That’s exactly what travel company Hopper did as part of an initiative to combat burnout and prioritise mental well-being.

CEO Frederic Lalonde noticed a worrying trend—employees were accumulating unused leave and working through their holidays. Despite having unlimited leave policies, people felt guilty about taking time off. So, the company introduced a radical incentive:

- Every employee received £10,000 to book a holiday.
- Checking emails, attending meetings, or doing any work was strictly forbidden.
- If employees failed to disconnect, they had to return the money.

The Science Behind the Strategy

This wasn’t just a PR stunt—it was rooted in positive psychology. Research has long shown that meaningful breaks improve productivity, creativity, and emotional well-being. According to the World Health Organisation, workplace stress is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, costing the global economy £1 trillion in lost productivity annually.

Hopper’s experiment addressed a key issue: rest guilt. Many employees fear being perceived as lazy if they take time off. By forcing disconnection, the company made rest not only acceptable but mandatory.

The Results: Productivity and Happiness Skyrocket

The impact was immediate:
- Employees returned energised, more creative, and highly engaged.
- Burnout rates plummeted, while retention rates soared.
- The company’s overall performance improved, proving that well-rested employees are more effective.

Perhaps most surprisingly, employees reported feeling more loyal to the company because they felt genuinely valued as people, not just workers.

What Can Other Companies Learn?

While not all businesses can afford a £10,000 holiday bonus, the lesson is clear:

- Encourage guilt-free time off.
- Redefine success beyond hours worked.
- Prioritise employee well-being as a long-term investment.

In a world obsessed with hustle culture, Hopper’s approach is a refreshing reminder: sometimes, the best way to boost productivity is to step away entirely.

Would you take the £10,000 challenge? Let us know in the comments!