Transforming Workdays with Naps and Exercise

Jordyn Mayes
Apr 29
5 min read

Updated: Jun 16

It’s no secret that work life in 2025 can be grueling. Many of us wake up early to fight traffic, sit for hours at a desk, drink cup after cup of coffee to stay alert, and return home too tired to do anything other than collapse on the couch. We live in a world where work seems to take over our lives, and the concept of balance—especially when it comes to self-care—is often sidelined. But could the solution lie in incorporating nap and exercise time into corporate settings? In an era where productivity and wellness are inseparably linked, adding these elements to the office environment may be one of the most important shifts we could make.

The Exhaustion of the 9-5 Grind

The modern 9-5 schedule—an eight-hour dedication to the workplace—was designed at a time when the working world was far less demanding than it is today. For many workers, the reality is that the eight-hour workday doesn’t even reflect their true work hours. Traffic alone can eat up two hours, leaving employees with less time to manage personal responsibilities and decompress. Then, once they arrive at the office, they sit for hours. Sitting, as many health studies have shown, is detrimental to physical well-being. Sitting at a desk, day after day, with limited opportunities to move around, isn’t just tiring—it’s slowly damaging.

Man stretching and yawning — Photo courtesy of Getty Images

In many corporate settings, when the workday slows down, employees turn to snacking out of boredom. These snacks provide a temporary sensation of excitement and a quick, placebo-like boost of energy. However, this brief thrill fades quickly, leaving employees reaching for more. Over time, the cycle of mindless snacking accumulates, eventually leading to unwanted weight gain as the excess calories pile up. And once the workday ends, people are left with a serious dilemma: Should they nap to regain some energy or exercise to boost their physical well-being? This decision often leads to frustration and exhaustion, as both options are vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A woman eating a strawberry cupcake — Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Coffee Culture and the "Come Down"

In countless offices, coffee is a fixture of the workday. It’s offered in abundance—ready to fuel productivity and keep employees alert. But here's the catch: while coffee might give an instant jolt of energy, it comes with a notable "come down." After the caffeine rush fades, employees are often left feeling more tired than before, with that sluggish mid-afternoon crash setting in. This cycle continues throughout the workday, creating a dependency on caffeine just to make it through.

A man pouring a cup coffee — Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Now, imagine if, instead of simply offering coffee, offices invested in something that provided lasting energy—like the opportunity to nap or exercise. The advantages of incorporating nap and exercise time into corporate settings are numerous. It would not only help employees feel better physically, but it would also boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote a more balanced lifestyle. Given the impact of fatigue on productivity, this approach might also result in a more engaged, focused workforce.

The Health and Productivity Boost

There is growing evidence that taking breaks for naps and exercise can actually boost productivity. According to The National Sleep Foundation, short naps—about 15 to 20 minutes—can improve cognitive performance, increase alertness, and reduce stress. For employees who are already feeling drained by the time their afternoon rolls around, a quick nap could serve as a revitalizing reset.

People relaxing on a recliner chair — Photo courtesy of Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

Exercise, too, has been shown to improve focus, increase energy, and even promote creativity. The idea of incorporating movement into the workday is not only about breaking up the monotony but also about giving workers the tools they need to improve their physical and mental health. As work becomes increasingly motionless, employees need opportunities to get up, stretch, and get their blood pumping. Offices that provide workout equipment, such as portable treadmills or under-desk ellipticals, could make it easier for employees to integrate movement into their day without taking away from their productivity.

People walking on a treadmill — Photo courtesy of Amriphoto

Entering the New Era of Portable Treadmills and Work-Life Integration

As our understanding of work-life balance evolves, so too do the tools available to us. The invention of portable treadmills that can be used while working at a desk is a game changer. These compact machines allow employees to walk while answering emails, attending meetings, or brainstorming ideas—creating an opportunity to move without disrupting the flow of the workday. While the idea of combining exercise and work might sound unusual, it’s a sign that society is evolving to meet the demands of our increasingly busy lives.

People walking on office treadmills — Photo courtesy of Salo LLC

This trend, however, raises an interesting question: Are we, as a society, so overwhelmed with exhaustion that we need to merge work and exercise? Perhaps. But it may also signify a shift toward smarter, more efficient ways of balancing our work and well-being. The reality is that employees who are encouraged to take care of their health—both mentally and physically—are more likely to stay engaged, focused, and motivated in their roles.

A Bold Step for the Workplace

The case for incorporating nap and exercise areas into corporate environments doesn’t just make sense for the health of employees—it makes sense for the health of businesses. When employees are energized, well-rested, and physically active, morale improves, job satisfaction increases, and productivity soars. Companies that provide wellness resources—such as designated nap spaces or workout equipment—are sending a clear message: They value their employees' well-being.

People stretching in an office — Photo courtesy of Getty Images

In addition to the clear health benefits, such a shift would also demonstrate that workplaces are evolving with the times. As we see products like portable treadmills entering the market, it’s clear that innovation is responding to the growing need for wellness in the workplace. These tools could be beneficial both at home and in the office, as they have the potential to reimagine how we work in any setting.

The Future of Work

It’s 2025. As our work environments become more demanding, it’s time for companies to step up and offer employees more than just coffee to get through the day! Nap and exercise areas should be a standard in all workplaces. After all, if we can offer caffeine to fuel productivity, why not provide resources that fuel well-being? When employees are given the opportunity to care for their physical and mental health, everyone benefits—higher morale, better work ethic, and ultimately, a more successful business.

In the end, it's about balance. And in the modern workplace, balance is the key to a thriving, productive, and healthy workforce.