The office breakroom is a communal, relaxing spot in the workplace. Not all offices have the space to accommodate a large area where others can come together, but there are still ways to balance personal and professional breakroom. Use these helpful tips to create a perfect break space, regardless of how small the room is.
1. Coffee Station
Coffee is the lifeblood that gets us through the morning, keeps up productive, and is a great conversation piece. Create a coffee station in your lunchroom by adding custom mugs for every employee. These mugs could include a name, a theme, their face – anything that makes them unique. Use jars to store different coffees, sugars, and cinnamon. To keep the coffee flowing, enlist the help of an office coffee delivery service. Don’t forget a box of cookies to compliment what you’re drinking!
2. Comfortable Seating
Although your line of work may involve sitting at a computer desk, there is a massive difference between sitting to relax and sitting to work. Add comfortable seating, like a full-length couch, chairs, or hammocks for resting. For the more active employees in your office, place yoga mats, exercise balls, and stationary bikes around the area.
3. Television
Employees often look for an escape from their work during breaks, but you may be hesitant to add a TV to your office because it’s too distracting. As long as the breakroom is far enough away from where your employees work, it won’t stop them from working hard off a break. Add a Netflix subscription, and it can encourage bonding by hosting events like sports viewing parties or movie nights.
4. Quiet Room
Not everyone wants to socialize on breaks, especially if your job includes customer interaction. Along with a place for collaboration, add a space for the introverts who are more interested in meditation, mindfulness, and rest as a means to recharge. Create a peaceful atmosphere by using dim lighting, reclining chairs, or special scents to promote a sense of calm.
5. Office Library
Many people like to read to relax, so add a bookshelf or library to your coffee break space. It may be difficult for some employees to do nothing during their breaks, so they’re likely to seek something to do. Use this opportunity to improve their skills, whether they’re work-related or not. Set up a bookshelf and fill them with multiple skill-based books, but sprinkle in a few popular fiction novels to inspire creativity.
6. Workout Equipment
We’ve already touched upon using yoga mats or exercise balls to promote exercise, but adding dumbbells, pull-up bars, and resistance bands can encourage sedentary employees to stay healthy during work hours. Regular exercise has a lot of benefits, including reducing stress levels, improving mood, and boosting confidence. A workout routine can also increase productivity! Another way to encourage healthy living is by making it into a game. Set up a monthly raffle for workers to take advantage of the equipment.
