Any employee who works non-stop without taking breaks ends up feeling exhausted, stressed, and burned out. Considering the fact that people spend so much time in workspaces, there should be somewhere for them to unwind.
Employees need a good work break while in the office break room. A good office break room should include items that can help your employees stay comfortable and healthy. Keep reading to learn what to add in the office break room that employees love. Also you can choose glass balustrades that make your office more luxurious and cool.
1. Comfortable Sitting Space and Sofas
An office break room serves as a relaxing space for your employees. You should design it in a way that makes everyone feel invited. Have enough space for everyone and add comfortable sofas, chairs and tables.
People have different styles so you need to integrate a mix of furniture to cater to everyone’s needs. Have coffee tables surrounded by sofas for the people who would like a cozy space or desire close interactions. Cafe tables and counter height chairs or stools can provide an ergonomic option for people who want something different.
Create different setups and set aside some rooms to allow for privacy and alone time. Elevate the atmosphere and make it feel more comfortable by adding an area rug and cushioned floor pads.
2. Refrigerator and Freezer
A refrigerator and freezer are a must-have in a break room. Some employees bring frozen meals or packed lunches and need a fridge to keep their food fresh.
Your employees need a reliable refrigerator that’s suitable for multiple people. A mini-fridge or residential model might not suit their everyday demand. Look for a high-quality, durable one that can endure constant use and allow the storage of many items.
Check out our commercial upright freezers for sale collection to find one that suits your needs. A commercial upright freezer can cope with the demand of employees who come with varying needs. You need to take into account what space each employee needs to pick the best one.
3. Beverage Equipment
People want to make better beverage choices and having the right equipment allows them that. Suppose you have employees who want to reduce sugar intake. You could provide them with a variety of beverage choices.
Beverage equipment allows employees to DIY a wide variety of healthy drinks. It enables them to make what they feel is suitable for their health. Research shows less sugar intake can encourage better moods and help reduce stress.
Some of the crucial beverage equipment to buy include
- blenders
- juicers
- milk shakers
- water fountains and dispensers
- coffee makers
- hot water kettle for tea
With a good mix of equipment, you can ensure your employees always enjoy fresh beverages.
4. Microwave & Toaster Oven
Sometimes employees prefer carrying packed lunches instead of going out for food. If you serve them food in the office, they expect it to be warm. A microwave can be a great solution to ensure employees always take warm food. It also speeds up warming foods which can save a lot of time.
If employees carry frozen foods, a microwave is a faster way to defrost. Microwave defrosting is also safer than slacking the food in a refrigerator. Food spends less time in high temperatures so bacteria are less likely to thrive.
5. Free Snacks and Beverages
Employees can buy snacks and beverages from outside but this can take more time. Providing them for free snacks reduces the frequency of going outside the office. It also makes employees happier and is an office perk that can boost motivation.
Free snacks can ensure everyone visits the break room during work breaks. A work break with a range of snack and beverage offerings can trigger conversations and produce a lively room.
Snacking will help your employees to manage their appetites and stay fueled for longer. Those who skip breakfast will regain energy to perform better until lunchtime.
Make sure you provide healthy snacks to accommodate everyone. Nutrient-rich snacks full of proteins, vitamins, and fiber can keep a person fueled for the entire day. If free snacks aren’t in the budget, consider putting a vending machine in the office break room.
6. Entertainment Equipment
Every break room should allow for entertainment and celebration. Employees sometimes need to let go of work pressure and reduce stress. A great work break room provides not only comfort but also pleasure and delight.
A music system or in-house theatre can provide a mental escape from work. Employees can co-watch a movie or listen to select tunes during work breaks. People typically feel happier and re-energized after a short music session.
Multiplayer games like bowling, ping pong table, billiards table or board games are fun office perks to promote teamwork. Games are fun and provide an exhilarating activity that helps employees reduce stress.
7. Refreshing Nook/ Retreat
The workplace is diverse. There are various types of individuals like introverts, extroverts and neurodiverse folks in the same office. Different personalities call for different needs.
You need to consider the needs of all these individuals when you’re thinking about a work break room. Creating nooks and retreats can provide discrete spaces for people who would not feel comfortable in bustling rooms.
Create isolated relaxing areas and add plants to make them feel natural. Add acoustic wall panels and room dividers to make these spaces repel noise. Individuals who want some quiet space to read a book or stay alone can find these spaces helpful.
What Makes a Great Work Break Room?
The best work break room is designed to make every employee find a comfortable space to spend their free time. Consider the tips in this guide to make your break room a place for ultimate comfort, relaxing and recharging. For more tips on workspace design and productivity, check out the rest of our blog.