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“Napping is a Vietnamese habit which we can
change if we want. Playing sport is the key factor to
improve our health,” Tuan says.
Meanwhile Tran Thanh Hai, an IT worker in Hanoi,
also supports the ban: “If people stay awake they can
chat or share their working experiences at noon time,
which is better.”
The debate has spread well beyond the company,
with many detractors labelling it unreasonable and even
unscientific. Nguyen Ha, a member of staff at another
IT company, claims that a short nap is necessary: “IT
people need to nap because most of the time they work
with a computer and this affects their eyes which need
to be rested.”
Scientists have also expressed their concerns.
Hoang Trong Nghia, CEO of ICANDO, argues this ban is
not scientific: “I was very surprised to learn of it; some
companies are even encouraging their staff to take a
short nap after lunch to refresh their energy.”
Nghia believes that it is unreasonable to base the
ban on the impression napping creates, as visitors rarely
come to offices during lunch.
He also thinks it is disingenous to compare domestic
companies with international firms: “In Western coun-
tries, work starts later, meanwhile the hot weather in
Vietnam makes people tired at noon time if they cannot
take a rest of from 15 to 30 minutes every day.”
Nghia has a very busy schedule, yet he still reserves
around 15 minutes for a noon rest; therefore, he also
encourages his staff to do the same.
His staff have a rest from 12 to 1.30pm every day,
which they can spend having lunch, taking a short nap
or on personal business.
Vu Tuan Anh, director of the Vietnam Management
Institution, agrees with Nghia, saying that the ban will
negatively impact personnel management: “Personnel
management is very difficult. The ban on naps at noon
is showing a lack of respect to staff. This issue is more
significant as the IT sector uses intelligent staff. The
company cannot gain high efficiency if the staff are not
satisfied with the company.”
Moreover, he says that according to official employ-
ment law, staff are free to do as they see fit. The ban,
therefore, violates their rights.
Anh suggests that rather than a blanket ban, FPT
IS should learn how to manage noon time in the most
effective way, mapping out a clear agenda for naps, any
violation of which would result in a weighty fine.
Nguyen Van Anh, another IT worker, says: “Lunch
time is private time and is not paid for by the boss, so we
are free to do as we please. We should nap if we think
our body needs it, so long as the act of doing so does
not impact others.”
However, the upset looks set to continue, with
FPT showing no signs of capitulating to the pro-nap
contingent.
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