This got me thinking that maybe this focus could be used constructively. Things that require a lot of sitting around and thinking, like software development, writing novels, coming up with HB ideas etc, could perhaps benefit from being performed while inside a hole.

Boss: "Steven, how long do you think this component's going to take you?"

Steven: "Er, dunno, 2 months?"

Boss: "2 months huh? You've just earned yourself 4 weeks in the hole."

Steven: "But..."

Boss: "Make that 6 weeks!"

When their time is up, the employee would emerge filthy, bearded and temporarily blind, bearing a perfectly-constructed piece of software or a glittering final chapter to their novel.

Optionally, your boss could come in every couple of days and give you a good shoeing, just to keep your mind sharp.