If youve just recently started working in China, chances are you must have come across some of your colleagues sleeping during lunchtime, either on their desks or on folding beds.
'In Europe, being caught sleeping on the job can result in immediate firing. So if I feel sleepy during the day, I have to rely on coffee or willpower, one netizen shared.
In other countries, employees usually have a 30-minute or one-hour lunch break. Then we are expected to be back at their desks and start working again.
But in China, lunchtime naps are a must. Lunches can stretch up to one or two hours so employees can get some well-deserved resting time.
Typical Chinese companies generally take much longer to eat lunch, after which you will see staff sitting around for a bit longer, scrolling through their WeChat Moments, Weibo or catch up with colleagues.
In other words, resting your head on your desk and drooling on your notebook over lunch is a widely accepted workplace behavior across China.
Don't bother your Chinese coworkers between 12 PM to 2 PM - thats their precious me time.
Of course, these times arent fixed and applicable to everyone working in China.
Some companies will use 12 pm - 1:30 pm or 12 pm- 1 pm as naptime.
The Chinese believe that taking a nap is not only a traditional culture of well-being to rid themselves of stress but also improve work efficiency in the afternoon.
Once a person is done eating a meal, the stomach begins its digestive process which will naturally tire us. This is particularly truthful in the summer.
But regardless of its human biological benefits, naps are embedded in Chinese culture. In fact, we were born with it sort of.
Naps are mandatory in kindergartens. I remember when I was a hectic child; despite not feeling sleepy at all and excited to continue playing, my teacher would struggle to have me lie down and close my eyes to take my afternoon nap.
When I was in high school, the campus would get so quiet that we were all required to speak very, very quietly. But some students may want to study more.
Chinese school periods usually end around 4 PM or 5 PM, sometimes even 6 PM. This makes lunchtime naps all the more important so students can have as much energy as needed to get through the rest of the day. You wouldnt want to sleep through your afternoon classes now, would you?
Over the years, most Chinese have trained themselves to take a nap after lunch wherever possible.
To show you how theyve become at taking spontaneous naps, netizens have posted a collection of photos of lunchtime nappers.
You have to appreciate the creativity and the sheer lengths people will go to for their coveted siestas.
What about you?
Have you gotten accustomed to taking naps in your office over lunch?
Have you seen your colleagues do it?
Let us know in the comment section below!
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