Having a great office breakroom design can be a real game changer for your workplace. Not only can it be used as a selling point when hiring new talent, but can increase current employee happiness with the company. When it comes to breakroom design, there are a few aspects that should always be kept in mind – and we’re about to share them with you.
Open and Inviting Space
Open and inviting break rooms promote conversation and collaboration between coworkers. This has not only been proven to increases employee happiness, but also creativity and productivity as well. To create a space that allows employees to sit down and interact together, comfortable seating and an open floor plan are crucial. Take Definition 6’s breakroom for example. In an open space with large tables, coworkers are encouraged to interact and have conversations while taking a quick break from work. Added bonus if you can work garage doors to the outdoors into the design!
Closed Off From Office
Breakrooms are spaces where employees are encouraged to do just that – take a break from work. It’s important to have your breakroom physically separate from the rest of the office for two main reasons: first, it should allow employees to get in the mindset of a break; second, it should not distract others who might still be working. Take the lunchroom at Allconnect for example. While it is still part of the office, there is a very defined separate space for employees to eat lunch and relax. And there’s free coffee which is always a plus!
Make it Fun
Nowadays, a fun and unique breakroom can be a selling point or added perk when attracting new employees. Ping-pong tables and various other games or activities are becoming increasingly popular with the young, millennial crowd and are a great way for employees to let their mind disconnect from work for a bit. That’s exactly what Cogeco Peer 1 had in mind when they asked us to design their new and improved breakroom. The colorful and open space is focused on anything but work and is perfect for allowing employees to relax and let loose for a bit during a stressful workday.
We’ve all seen an office with a breakroom that is essentially a closet with a microwave. Don’t be that company. By following these simple breakroom design guidelines, you’ll continue to have happy and productive employees who will actually want to bring their lunch to eat in the office!