A break room at work is meant to be a place for employees to relax and refresh themselves. It can also be a way to strengthen bonds between staff members and build a sense of community within the office.
To make your break room a space that employees appreciate, take the time to ask what features they would like to have. Then, invest a little money to beautify your break room with things employees will enjoy.
It’s a Place to Recharge
Break rooms allow employees to relax and refresh themselves before returning to work. They should be inviting and warm and have plenty of seating to accommodate a variety of workers.
A comfortable break room and welcome can help increase productivity, morale, mental creativity and collaboration. It can also reduce the time employees spend sitting at their desks.
Another great way to make a break room more engaging is to add fun games to the area. Adding a video game console, pool table or air hockey can add a physical element to the space and help keep employees entertained while they break away from their desks.
The break room solutions can be an easy and inexpensive way to improve office culture. One idea is to set up a “fresh-up fund” so employees can help decide what will make their break room more inviting and attractive. Whether it’s fancy coffee makers, tabletop arcade games or a succulent garden, a little bit of a budget can go a long way.
It’s a Place to Share
Having a place for employees to share information, thoughts and ideas during their break is vital. It can help strengthen bonds, improve office culture and increase productivity when returning to work.
One of the easiest ways to get everyone involved is with a game. Whether it’s “This or That” or an ongoing puzzle or word search, there’s something for everyone.
Another way to make a break room more fun is by providing a healthy snack bar for your team to enjoy while they’re there. Offering snacks like fresh fruit, veggies, nuts and more can boost morale and give workers energy and focus when they return to work.
A clean, organized space makes it easier for everyone to tidy up and keep the break room supplies in tip-top shape. Keeping it free of clutter can help promote productivity and reduce stress.
It’s a Place to Connect
Keeping a break room clean and clutter-free can be an excellent way to help employees feel better about their surroundings. Giving them a chance to clear their heads and make space for a healthier work-life balance can improve their stress levels, productivity and morale.
Creating a space where employees can gather and share ideas also helps spark creativity in the office. If you have the budget, including games in your break room, such as ping-pong or video gaming, is a great idea.
It’s been proven that people who play a game have better focus and are more creative than those who don’t. Whether a ping-pong game or a simple board game, having a fun game in your break room is a great way to motivate employees and inspire the most innovative ideas!
Providing a place for employees to catch up with their coworkers and talk about work can lead to stronger relationships. Employees with solid relationships with their colleagues are likelier to stay at their job and commit more to the company.
It’s a Place to Gather
Often overlooked, the office break room is a necessary component of a functional workplace. It provides a place to relax, store food and drink, and is often the backdrop for unrelated employee conversations.
Employees won’t appreciate the space as much if your break room isn’t designed to be inviting and comfortable. Invest in furniture that encourages socializing and breaks up the monotony of a single-serve coffee machine and microwave.
In addition, make sure there are enough trash cans in the break room to keep messes under control. Busy teammates may need to remember to clean up messes that they make, and it’s easy for things to get out of hand.
Creating an engaging space for your employees to gather can help improve their mental health, reduce stress and strengthen company relationships. These benefits can increase morale, engagement and productivity in the long run.
