01/02/2025
Japan, just Japan.
In Japan, the practice of “inemuri”—which translates to “sleeping while present”—is culturally accepted in certain professional settings. Inemuri is often viewed as a sign of dedication, as it implies that the individual is working so hard that they have become exhausted and need a brief rest to recover. This differs significantly from cultures where sleeping at work is considered unprofessional or lazy.
However, this acceptance has limitations. Inemuri is typically permitted when it is done discreetly, such as sitting upright at a desk, and when it does not interfere with work responsibilities. It is more commonly observed in traditional or hierarchical work environments, particularly among senior employees, who are often afforded more leeway.
