In Japan, the practice of Inemuri, sleeping while present, is not a sign of laziness but rather a cultural nuance that reflects dedication and hard work. The term translates to "sleeping while being present," and it's commonly observed in various settings, including workplaces, public transportation, and educational institutions. Ironically, Inemuri is often seen as a testament to one's commitment to their responsibilities.

Inemuri is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. According to Amusing Planet, "In Japan, sleeping in the office is common and is socially accepted. In fact, it is often seen as a sign of diligence, as in, the person is so dedicated to their job that they worked themselves to exhaustion."

Inemuri is typically brief and occurs in settings where individuals are still engaged, such as during meetings or on public transit. According to Dr. Brigitte Steger, a scholar at the University of Cambridge, who studies Japanese culture, “Even though the sleeper might be mentally ‘away’, they have to be able to return to the social situation at hand when active contribution is required,” Steger says. “Your body needs to pretend that you are active in a meeting, like you are concentrating. You cannot sleep under the table or anything. You have to sit as if you are listening intently, and just put your head down.”

But apparently you have to earn Inemuri. Younger or newer employees must stay constantly active, while older or higher-ranking employees have more freedom to rest. The higher you are up the social ladder, the more you can sleep according to Steger.

Even though Inemuri is socially accepted, it also points to the struggles people face in balancing work and life. When employees feel they have to show they’re dedicated by looking tired, it reveals a bigger issue in the work culture. Companies need to pay attention to this and create environments where people can be productive without sacrificing their well-being. Napping can be beneficial, but it shouldn’t be necessitated out of shear exhaustion from overworking.

Karōshi: The Extreme Consequence of Overwork

In stark contrast to Inemuri is Karōshi, death from overwork. This term represents the extreme other end of the spectrum where dedication to work leads to fatal consequences. Karōshi is characterized by sudden death due to overwork, often resulting from heart attacks, strokes, or suicides linked to work-related stress.

According to a 2024 white paper on measures to prevent Karōshi, 883 individuals were recognized as suffering from work-related mental health disorders, marking the highest number on record. Among these cases, 79 involved suicides and attempted suicides. Additionally, 216 cases were related to work-induced brain or heart conditions, exceeding 200 for the first time in four years.

One of the most poignant examples of Karōshi is the case of Matsuri Takahashi, a 24-year-old employee at Dentsu Inc., a major Japanese advertising agency. Takahashi committed suicide in 2015 after working excessive overtime, including more than 100 hours of overtime in a month. Her death brought national attention to the issue of overwork and led to increased scrutiny of corporate practices and labor laws in Japan. Her death sparked a nationwide discussion on Japan’s work culture, prompting Prime Minister Shinzō Abe to confront the expectation that employees work long hours to show commitment, despite limited proof that it actually boosts productivity.

For HR professionals and organizational leaders, these concepts offer valuable insights into the importance of fostering a healthy work environment. It's crucial to recognize the signs of burnout and implement policies that promote work-life balance, such as reasonable work hours, mental health support, and….maybe napping?

Sources: Amusing Planet, nippon.com, theguardian.com