Forward-thinking companies may hold the key to future success. By using research on work environments and productivity, Haworth is jumping light-years ahead of its competitors, creating office space that "allows individuals to refresh, relax, and reenergize." Haworth's new CalmSpace, a nap pod for work, was designed in conjunction with designer Marie-Virginie Berbet, who has a background in neuropharmacology, and Zyken, who provides scientifically-validated light and sound technologies.

Innovative Sleep Pod Improves Worker Productivity

Like something out of Star Trek or 2001, CalmSpace is a freestanding sleep capsule intended for workers who need to reboot. After entering through an acoustic curtain, CalmSpace users select a nap period (from 10 to 20 minutes) and a preset sound and light cycle designed to encourage falling sleep and waking gently. Haworth's cutting-edge capsule "is a helpful retreat area for people who do intense work, have demanding schedules or are subject to jet lag." Immediately, I can think of beleaguered workers in countless careers that would benefit from CalmSpace: air traffic controllers, ER residents, preschool teachers, lion tamers, and so on.

If you doubt the benefits of CalmSpace, you might be one of those people who disbelieved in the power of ergonomics-and now nearly everyone recognizes the vital connection between physical comfort and increased productivity. For old-school bosses who might mock the idea of power napping from 9 to 5, Haworth offers proof: in 2011, the company tested a CalmSpace prototype at a France Telecom Orange call center in Lyon.

Take a closer look at CalmSpace at Orgatec in Cologne, where you can see how easily you'll enter the realm of Morpheus. Examine the fabric-upholstered mattress and the geometric-inspired pod; admire the dark grey-blue composite and the thick acoustic foam while you relax and rejuvenate. Companies everywhere should take heed: the short bursts of sleep enabled by CalmSpace should improve cognitive abilities like alertness, memory, and creativity. Haworth may just succeed in starting a new workday trend-the company-sanctioned midday nap.

About the Manufacturer: Out of Holland, MI, manufacturer Haworth has managed to make quite a name for itself on the international front. With 20 manufacturing facilities in 10 different countries, the company has a globally recognized reputation for creating high quality floors, movable walls, systems furniture, seating, storage, and casegoods.