Offices are more than just a place to work. They’re also a place to relax and recharge. That’s why ensuring your office has all the amenities you need to stay productive and refreshed is essential.
Consider these statistics:
- The average person spends 8.9 hours a day at work. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- The office worker is interrupted every 3 minutes, or about seven times an hour. (Basex Research)
- The average person checks email 74 times a day. (The Radicati Group)
With all of these potential distractions, it’s no wonder that nearly 60% of workers feel stressed out by their jobs. Fortunately, amenities like the pantry or the gym can help reduce stress and promote a more productive work environment. However, nothing might be as vital as the breakroom.
A breakroom is where employees can take a break from work and recharge. It’s also a place where people can gather to socialize and build relationships. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when creating the ideal office breakroom.
Spacious Design
The first thing to consider is the size of your breakroom. It should be large enough to accommodate all your employees but not so large that it feels empty or impersonal. You should also ensure plenty of seating and table space for people to enjoy their meals.
There are plenty of ways to make the breakroom feel spacious for employees. You can utilize the commercial windows as walls, creating an illusion that the space is more significant than it is. You can also use bright, light colors to make the room airy and open. You can partner with a company that creates sunroom designs to create a bright and airy space for your employees.
Calm Atmosphere
The breakroom should be a place where employees can relax and unwind. To create a calm atmosphere, you should consider the following:
- Use soothing colors like blue or green.
- Include plenty of natural light.
- Incorporate nature into the design with plants or water features.
- Play calming music in the background.
You should also avoid stress-inducing elements like TVs or bright lights. If you must have a TV, ensure it’s turned off during mealtimes.
Healthy Food Options
The breakroom should also have healthy food options available for employees. This includes things like:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole-grain pieces of bread and cereal
- Low-fat dairy products
- Lean protein sources
Plenty of water should also encourage proper hydration, ensuring employees feel refreshed. You can install a water cooler or provide filtered water at the sink. You can even offer flavored waters or sparkling waters for employees to enjoy.
Coffee Station
Coffee is a must in any breakroom. After all, nearly 60% of Americans drink coffee daily. When setting up your coffee station, you should consider the following:
- The type of coffee beans you’ll use
- The brewing method you’ll utilize
- What kind of milk or creamers you’ll offer
- Whether you’ll provide sugar or sweeteners
It would help if you also considered the cups and mugs you’ll use. Disposable cups might be more convenient, but they’re not eco-friendly. Reusable cups are a better option for the environment. You can even offer branded cups with your company’s logo to promote your brand.
Comfortable Seating
Finally, don’t forget about comfortable seating. A breakroom is where employees want to relax, so ensure plenty of comfy chairs and couches are available. If possible, try to create various seating options so employees can choose what’s most comfortable for them. Here are a few types of chairs to consider:
- Chairs with cushions
- Sofas or loveseats
- Ottomans or bean bag chairs
- Floor cushions
- Picnic tables or benches
Entertainment Options
A breakroom will not be complete without entertainment. Studies show that taking breaks helps improve productivity, so make sure your breakroom has plenty of things for employees to do. To make the breakroom more enjoyable, you should also consider entertainment options. The list might include the following:
- A TV
- A pool table
- A dart board
- A foosball table
- An air hockey table
These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can also ask your employees what they want to see in the breakroom. After all, it’s their space, too. You do not have to invest in everything all at once. You can start small and gradually add more features over time. Creating the ideal office breakroom takes time, but seeing your employees happy and healthy is worth it.
Final Thoughts
Creating the ideal office breakroom takes time and effort. But it’s worth seeing how much happier and more productive your employees are. Use these tips to create a space that everyone can enjoy.
