When planning the perfect office space, it’s easy to overlook the breakroom as it’s not the main area where people will be working. However, this is the space where your staff relationships are built and morale is improved. It is an essential part of a modern office, and without it, staff can struggle, and you may find that your business suffers as a result. But what makes a great break room space? What things should be included, and what mistakes should be avoided?
With this in mind, here are some of the top mistakes to avoid when creating your workplace breakroom.
Not Listening to Employee Input
Since your staff members are the ones who will be spending time in the breakroom, it’s important to find out what they would like from the perfect breakroom. Perhaps they have some ideas on the layout or what you should be putting in it. Maybe they have some ideas on the decor or the type of furniture that would work best. This can be done via a staff survey, and while you may not be able to put every idea into practice, it will certainly give a steer and a sense of direction as to what might work well for the team.
Choosing the Wrong Decor
Many breakrooms suffer from being drab and boring, think plain white walls and furniture that has been picked up from the cheapest section of a chain store. However, it’s worth noting that employees tend to be more motivated when they are working for a business that has a true sense of identity, and the breakroom can serve as an excellent location to show this. It’s therefore worth doing a little more to improve the decor.
Again, this could be a great opportunity for staff input.
Picking the Wrong Furniture
While furniture was covered in the previous point, it deserves its own mention since getting it wrong is one of the cardinal sins when creating a breakroom.
An incorrect, uncomfortable choice could leave people feeling unrefreshed after a break, negating the purpose of having a break room area. With this in mind, it’s worth looking into Plymold breakroom tables and chairs as a potential option. Investing a little more in your breakroom furniture can end up paying dividends and should really make a big difference in what you are trying to create. What’s more, opting for comfortable, tasteful furniture could create a highly relaxing yet professional-looking space that even clients and external parties may appreciate.
Not Thinking About the Layout
While picking the right furniture is important, furniture placement is just as important if you want to encourage the atmosphere of collaboration you may be looking for.
The right layout can make all the difference. Consider the different uses for the space. Some people will want to come in for a cup of coffee and a chat, so sofas and low coffee tables would work well. At the same time, others will want to use the space to eat, so consider incorporating proper tables and chairs set up for this purpose.
You should also consider the flow of the space and how people are going to move around it. For example, if there will be a coffee machine that will likely cause a queue you need to consider how this will fit in. After all, you don’t want queues getting in everyone’s way within the space.
Changing the layout occasionally can also help keep the space fresh, interesting, and engaging.
Not Offering Any Food or Drinks
People value all sorts of employee perks, and hot drinks are definitely near the top of the list. Make sure that you have a variety of options. While most people will appreciate coffee, it is also important to have options for people who do not drink coffee.
If you want to go one step further, offering snacks in the breakroom is an additional perk that can also help people feel valued and appreciated.
No Messageboard
While this is a place where people go to relax and unwind, it is also a useful space. It is a hub of the business where your staff can gather, providing the perfect opportunity to communicate what is happening in the business.
Obviously, it is a great location to communicate good news to people about what is going well at your company. At the same time, it may also be a space where other social activities are communicated.
Hopefully, this post has given you some food for thought (pun intended) about whether to create a new breakroom space or improve the one you currently have.
Ultimately, the breakroom should be a hub of activity and a space where staff members can eat, drink, and socialise while taking breaks during the day.
Done right, a breakroom can benefit any business in terms of improved collaboration, staff retention, productivity and wellbeing. It should be an ever-evolving space based on staff feedback, the growth of the business, and your changing requirements.
