Staff break rooms are spaces that are often overlooked by employers. Many are barer and more bleak than the communal area in a prison. The best break rooms on the other hand can feel like the lounge of a five star hotel. Such break rooms can help employees to truly destress and recharge their batteries. They can boost productivity and they can boost morale. Ultimately, they can help encourage a happier workforce and a more successful business. Below are just some of the ways in which you can create such a break room.
Invest in comfortable seating
Some employers shove a couple of plastic chairs in a break room and think that’s enough. Such seating isn’t cosy and doesn’t encourage employees to relax. If you want to create a sanctuary that helps employees relax, invest in plush couches and armchairs. This creates more of a ‘lounge’ feel.
Provide tables for eating
A couple tables and benches could still be useful for employees that want to eat there on their lunch break. An attractive dining area can discourage employees from eating at their desk, helping them to truly take a break by getting out of their work zone.
Consider some interactive entertainment
Entertainment can help distract employees from work so that they can truly recharge their batteries. It can also get employees to bond with colleagues in a less formal setting. Popular options for break room entertainment could include pool tables, ping pong tables, arcade machines, board games or jigsaw puzzles. This post at Indeed lists a few more break room game ideas.
Add a quiet zone
Some employees may not want to spend their break playing games or socialising. A designated quiet area can be used for employees to relax. This could be a corner with armchairs and possibly a small bookshelf.
Upgrade your coffee
A break room could be a great place for employees to grab a cup of coffee. Don’t just settle for the cheapest instant coffee you can find though – treat your employees to something a bit more luxurious. You could consider investing in a self service coffee machine that makes barista quality cappuccinos, lattes and hot chocolates. Staff can be trained how to maintain and top up this coffee machine. You can shop for different models at sites like Liquidline.
Promote relaxation with warm lighting and plants
There are various features that you can add to a room to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Whereas harsh cool lighting can increase concentration and serve practical benefits in work areas, softer warm lighting is better for creating a cosier vibe that can be better suited to a break room. Plants can meanwhile make a space more cheerful and can have a calming effect too.
Seek inspiration from your employees
If you want to create a break room that your employees are truly going to love spending time in, why not ask your employees what features they’d like to see in there. Your team could offer inspiration on entertainment ideas and could even help choose a decor theme. You could host a brainstorm session and then put the best ideas to a vote.
