Japanese workers encouraged to adopt Spanish-style siestas
Japanese workers encouraged to adopt Spanish-style siestas
CIVIL servants in Japan are being ‘taught’ how to take a siesta, in a bid to cut down on electricity consumption following the nuclear disaster in March.
The town council of Gifu, in central Japan, has decided to adopt Spanish working hours in July, August and September, and is encouraging its workers to go home between 13.00hrs and 15.00hrs to sleep.
Their working hours and holidays will be adjusted to cover the 2,000 staff members’ lunchtime kip, which is expected to reduce the use of air-conditioning, lifts and computers during the hottest part of the day.
Reduced hours and increased holiday will mean even less energy used, says a council spokesman.
Business dress will no longer be compulsory during the summer months, since wearing light clothing means less use of air-conditioning.
After the Hamaoka plant was closed in May for security reasons, following the explosion in Fukushima, the province of Gifu is finding itself forced to cut energy consumption by 10 per cent.
