Most companies know that happy employees are more productive, but making that happen is easier said than done. One often-overlooked area is the office break room, which can be a lot more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. When designed with comfort and community in mind, break rooms can become a hub of office activity that brings people together and helps them recharge.
When it comes to designing a break room that actually gets used, the little things matter. Take cups, for example. They’re something that everyone uses, but often gets taken for granted. That’s why choosing the right cups can make a big difference. I’ve seen offices where everyone brings their own Famiware cups from home, which can be a great way to add some personality to the space. But for offices that want to provide cups for their employees, there are a lot of options to choose from.
the power of personalization
One way to make the break room feel more welcoming is to add personal touches. This can be as simple as letting employees decorate their own cups or bringing in plants to brighten up the space. When people feel like they have a say in how the break room is designed, they’re more likely to use it and enjoy their time there. Some companies even let employees vote on what kind of coffee or tea to stock in the break room, which can be a great way to build a sense of community.
comfort is key
No matter how nice the cups are, if the break room itself is uncomfortable, people won’t want to spend time there. That means providing comfortable seating, plenty of outlets to charge devices, and maybe even a few games or puzzles to keep people entertained. It’s also important to make sure the break room is clean and well-maintained, which can be a challenge in busy offices. But when it’s done right, it can make a big difference in how employees feel about their workplace.
food and drink options
When it comes to food and drink options, the break room can be a great place to provide healthy snacks and refreshments. This can be especially important for employees who are trying to eat healthy or have specific dietary needs. Some companies even offer meal delivery or catering services, which can be a great perk for employees. And of course, there’s the coffee: in many offices, the coffee machine is the heart of the break room, and it’s not uncommon to see people gathering around it to chat and catch up.
making it a community space
To really make the break room a hub of office activity, companies need to think about how to make it a community space. This can be as simple as hosting events or meetings in the break room, or providing games and activities that encourage people to socialize. Some companies even use the break room as a space for employee recognition or rewards, which can be a great way to build morale and motivation.
measuring success
So how can companies tell if their break room is really making a difference? One way is to look at employee satisfaction surveys, which can provide valuable feedback on what’s working and what’s not. Companies can also track things like break room usage, or look at metrics like productivity and retention to see if the break room is having a positive impact. According to a recent study, companies that invest in their break rooms see an average increase of 14% in employee satisfaction, and a 10% increase in productivity.
- provide comfortable seating and plenty of outlets
- offer healthy snack and drink options
- host events and meetings in the break room
case studies
So what does a successful break room look like in practice? One example is a company that recently redesigned its break room to include a coffee bar, a game room, and a comfortable seating area. The result was a 25% increase in break room usage, and a 15% increase in employee satisfaction. Another company found that by providing healthy snack options and hosting regular events in the break room, they were able to reduce turnover by 12% and improve productivity by 8%.
- conduct regular employee surveys to get feedback on the break room
- track metrics like break room usage and employee satisfaction
the future of the break room
As companies continue to evolve and change, the break room will likely play an increasingly important role in employee satisfaction and productivity. By thinking creatively about how to design and use the break room, companies can create a space that really works for their employees, and helps them feel happy, comfortable, and supported at work. According to a recent report, the average company can expect to see a return of $1.50 for every dollar invested in the break room, making it a smart investment for any business.