Take a look around your breakroom. What is it offering you and your employees? Sure, it’s meant to be a place where employees can take a load off and refuel at any point in the workday. But how can you be sure that’s what it’s actually accomplishing? If your space is dull, old-fashioned, or just feels like it’s missing something, it’s likely time to give the space a little love.

Having an aesthetically pleasing space may not be at the top of everyone’s priority list, but it’s more important than you may think! In fact, breakroom design can impact your employee’s well-being.

People need breaks. And taking breaks improves productivity, reduces burnout, and gives employees the opportunity to socialize. To do this, they need the right space. Staff break rooms and company kitchens provide a place where employees can enjoy their breaks without leaving the workplace.

If your break space isn’t up to employees’ standards, that area of the office may be completely ignored. That means less breaks for your staff and a less productive workforce.

So, when’s the right time to make some upgrades to the space? How do you know that you need to make some changes? This blog will be your helpful guide to answer that age old question: does my breakroom need an upgrade? Keep reading to find out more.

Why Should I Update My Breakroom?

Your breakroom is where staff members come to escape for a moment and recharge when the workday gets tough. Employees also see it as a reflection of your company’s commitment to their well-being.

Workers are increasingly concerned with workplace benefits. And it makes sense. After all, we end up spending the majority of our time at work. In a post-pandemic world, workplace amenities are especially powerful. A recent survey by CBRE found that 81% of workplace teams rank amenities as the most important factor for improving employee experience.

And it’s not just about what employees are looking for either. When your team can take the breaks they need to stay productive throughout the workday, they keep their performance high. Apollo Technical reports that productivity can improve by up to 31% when employees are happy.

When your workers are taken care of, they work better for you. Amenities like a great breakroom shows that you care and better your employees’ performances, helping your bottom line.

6 Signs Your Breakroom Needs and Upgrade

Sign #1: Things in Your Breakroom are Broken or Outdated

One of the first and most obvious signs that your breakroom is falling flat is that things aren’t working like they used to. Whether it’s a microwave with malfunctioning buttons or a cracked coffee pot from the 90s, you’re going to need to retire some items. And when you do, exciting new technology can take their place! A shiny new fridge or an automated espresso machine might be exactly what you need to breathe new life into your office kitchen.

But it doesn’t stop at appliances. It’s also time to replace those wobbly chairs. Anything that isn’t functioning the way you need it to has got to go. Not only does replacing these things help you improve your workplace’s aesthetic, but it also removes safety hazards from your breakrooms.

Sign #2: There Isn’t Enough Space

Maybe your company has grown in the past few years. If that’s the case, it’s important that your breakroom keeps up. If your team has been expanding but your breakroom has stayed the same, it’s likely time to rearrange the space.

Your breakroom should be able to comfortably accommodate everyone. And that’s a key word: comfortably. If your seating isn’t comfortable to sit in, no one’s going to want to spend time on a lumpy couch or poorly-cushioned chairs.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to knock down walls. You can create space by rearranging furniture or removing some items you no longer need to make space. Sometimes all you need is a restructured room to make it feel brand new.

Sign #3: The Space is Unwelcoming

What does your breakroom look like, and how does it make you feel? If you’re looking at four blank gray walls and threadbare furniture, it’s time for a change. Your breakroom should feel like a breath of fresh air, not a dungeon. If the paint on the walls is peeling or the room is dressed up in monochrome, it’s time to give it a facelift.

Your breakroom should be an inviting space where employees want to spend time. Think of it like the living room for your workplace. People come to this room to find their center. And sometimes that’s easier to do when there are familiar paintings on the walls or decor on shelves. Fill the space with bright and calming colors that make your workers feel at ease. Make the breakroom a place where people feel like they can take a moment of respite during a busy workday.

Sign #4: There’s No Greenery

Don’t underestimate the power of plants. Adding natural elements like potted plants or moss walls to an office space can positively impact mental fatigue. Incorporating plants into indoor office spaces like the breakroom can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance creative thinking among employees. People who work in spaces with natural elements have 15% higher levels of overall well-being, feel 6% more productive, and feel 15% more creative at work.

A good balance of low-maintenance plants is a good way to start. Whether they’re in pots on the floor beside chairs or atop counters, a touch of green can go a long way in your office kitchen.

Sign #5: There Is No Food or Drinks

We take breaks to feel refreshed. What better way to refresh than with refreshments? 

The right food and drinks are essential to helping your workers replenish throughout the day. Whether an employee needs some brain food in the middle of a challenging project or a fresh cup of coffee for an afternoon boost, your breakroom should be the first place they go to get it.

You don’t need a full kitchen set up to keep your employees well fed. A simple micro market or bulk snacks in a pantry solution might be a better fit for your workplace.

Sign #6: Your Breakroom Feels Impersonal

A breakroom is a great way to showcase your company’s personality and showcase your company’s values. Whether you display your company’s awards on the walls or post signage about your organization’s core value, decor can serve as important reminders for your team.

But keep in mind the breakroom should feel homey. While there’s a stronger push to return to office, employees are likely to miss the comforts of home.Don’t let your breakroom be too stiff. Consider incorporating homestyle furniture and decor. A nice couch or armchair and ottoman arrangement can go a long way in making the area feel more cozy and casual.

How Do I Create the Best Breakroom for My Employees?

So now you know some things to do and not to do. How do you ensure your breakroom is the best it can be? Here are some standard ideas and concepts to keep in mind when creating or remodeling a breakroom your employees will love:

Keep It Comfortable

A good breakroom is a comfortable space where employees want to spend time. Think about your elementary school classrooms and how exciting it was to sit in a bean bag chair. A bean bag chair might not be the most professional option, so we advise more elevated options like couches or arm chairs.

You’ll want to select high-quality furniture that makes sense for the space. Keep in mind whatever you choose will frequently serve a variety of people. Make an investment in furniture that will hold up and can be cleaned regularly.

Invite People In

Separate your breakroom for the rest of your worksite. You want it to feel like time away from a desk or work station. Utilize vibrant colors and fun decor. Keep the space open and airy to make it inviting and relaxing.

Don’t forget the finishing touches. Small comforts like snacks and drinks can go a long way. Whether you need a single-serve coffee maker or an automated espresso machine, make sure there are places where employees can get a quick boost of energy.

Keep Things Fun

Consider adding some activities to your breakroom. You might include a foosball table, a collection of board games, or a bookshelf of interesting reads. This can also foster socialization and camaraderie in your space that keeps employees engaged.

Be Inclusive

Every employee deserves a chance to rest and replenish before getting back to work. Consider all of your employees’ needs when designing your breakroom. You can even involve your staff in the design process and ask what they would like to see in the space.

Ensure your breakroom is ADA compliant and accessible to all people. When everyone’s needs are met, you’ll have happier, more productive employees who feel valued and appreciated.

 

At Canteen, we believe that breakrooms should utilize suitable layouts and designs built with purpose in mind. These designs should foster productivity, collaboration, and community. Contact us today and find out how to outfit your space with the best amenities for your teams.