Description

 

At Wallpaper Kenya we have no shortage of office breakroom ideas. Create a multi-functional space with comfortable seating arrangements, including couches, beanbag chairs, and high-top tables. Install a coffee and tea station with a variety of options. Provide a well-stocked snack area with healthy choices. Include a refrigerator and microwave for meal preparation. Consider a water dispenser and a dedicated space for recycling. Incorporate plants and natural light to enhance the atmosphere. Add a whiteboard or corkboard for announcements and team messages. Create a relaxation zone with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and perhaps a small library or game area. Ensure adequate charging stations for electronic devices. A clean and organized space is essential.

It is said that a comfortable break space brings various benefits, such as improving productivity and increasing employee satisfaction. For this reason, recently there has been an increasing number of break rooms with special attention paid to interior design and layout so that they can be used for multiple purposes, such as a place for employees to refresh themselves, relax, or for company events.

In this article, we will explain the importance of office break spaces, ideas for break rooms that will increase employee satisfaction, and examples of break rooms.

What are these office breakroom ideas?

 

Office break spaces are mentioned in a forthcoming Kenya Parliamentary bill on Office Hygiene Standards and Regulations. And companies are encouraged to make an effort to provide them. Allowing employees to take appropriate breaks can help them refresh both physically and mentally, which is expected to improve productivity.

An office breakroom is a designated space within a workplace designed to provide employees with a respite from their work duties. It serves as a multi-functional area for various activities, including eating, socializing, and relaxing. Functionally, it typically includes amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and sink, facilitating food and beverage preparation and storage.

Socially, it fosters informal interactions and team bonding, offering a space for employees to connect outside of structured work environments. Psychologically, it provides a crucial opportunity for employees to de-stress, recharge, and return to their tasks with renewed focus. The design and amenities of a breakroom can significantly impact employee morale, productivity, and overall workplace satisfaction. In essence, it’s a vital component of a well-rounded office environment, contributing to employee well-being and a positive work culture.

What are the benefits of having a breakroom in the office?

 

Setting up a break space in the office has many benefits, including improving employee productivity and stimulating communication. Here are some specific benefits.

This leads to increased productivity and focus

Human concentration is a finite resource; prolonged focus leads to cognitive fatigue, diminishing productivity. This necessitates strategic breaks to counteract this decline. A dedicated breakroom acts as a crucial “reset” button, enabling employees to temporarily disengage from demanding tasks. This mental pause allows the brain to recover, preventing burnout and restoring mental clarity.

This leads to more active communication

 

It will be an opportunity for employees who do not have any work-related interactions to communicate with each other. An office where people can chat livelyly will create a good atmosphere and create a sense of unity within the company. Let’s create a mechanism to stimulate communication.

This leads to idea generation

Relaxation fosters creativity. And a calm mind is more receptive to novel connections. Office breakroom informal chats break down mental barriers, allowing ideas to flow freely. Because these casual settings lower stress, promoting open communication and unexpected insights. These moments often spark innovative solutions and collaborative brainstorming.

This leads to increased employee satisfaction

 

A comfortable break space increases motivation for work. Having a stylish break space increases employee satisfaction and leads to trust in the company.

Leads to corporate branding

A stylish office space not only attracts talented people but also helps with corporate branding. If you use it as a meeting space with visitors, it can also leave a good impression on them.

For those considering installing a break room in your office,
we offer free consultation to find out which break room is best suited for your company and the costs involved.

Key points for creating ideas in the office breakroom

Here are some tips for creating a comfortable office break space.

Incorporate employee office breakroom ideas

Tailor the breakroom to diverse needs by considering age and gender preferences. This ensures inclusivity and maximizes usage. Incorporate varied seating, snack options, and relaxation areas based on survey feedback, fostering a comfortable and welcoming space for all.

Ensure sufficient space and consider the installation location

To refresh yourself, it is important to have a certain distance from your office. Place your room in a place where the sounds from your office cannot reach you so that you can distinguish between on and off. It is also important to have a large open space.

Choose furniture and equipment that is easy to use

Consider furniture and equipment that can be used by multiple people and that is appropriate for the number of people and purpose. For example, if you are incorporating a sofa, it is a good idea to incorporate accessories such as soft colors and textures, comfortable seats, and cushions. In addition, if you plan to allow eating and drinking in the break space, it will get dirty easily, so choose furniture that is easy to clean and maintain.

Establish rules for usage

To make it easy for all employees to use, you need to set time limits for use and rules regarding cleaning. Make rules that allow everyone to use the facility comfortably.

Recommended equipment for office breakroom

 

We will introduce some items that employees would be happy to have in the break space, and some recommended equipment.

Refreshing items such as a coffee server

It is said that eating sweets and drinking coffee helps to recover from fatigue. There are an increasing number of cases where coffee servers are installed in offices, creating safe spaces where people can enjoy delicious drinks. In addition, having a refrigerator stocked with drinks and ice cream and a wide selection of snacks will naturally attract people. Encouraging casual conversation will create an environment that encourages active communication.

Comfortable furniture such as sofas and bookshelves

A large sofa is recommended because it can be used by multiple people, and you can also relax or take a nap. Also, by placing bookshelves around it, you can get inspiration from books, magazines, and photo books.

Large monitors and projectors available for use at company events

By installing a projector or large monitor, you can easily hold in-house seminars, study sessions, events, etc. If you have space in your office, the barrier to holding events is lowered and you can create an environment where people can easily participate.

Cozy office breakroom ideas

Change the office and atmosphere

 

We also recommend keeping a certain distance from the office space and changing the atmosphere with furniture and wallpaper. Changing the atmosphere allows you to switch on and off, which can increase the relaxation effect. It is also important to take soundproofing measures so that voices in the office space cannot be heard.

Create a rest area facing the window

If you are on the upper floors of a high-rise building, we recommend setting up a rest area facing a window. By utilizing a space with a good view where natural light pours in, you can create a more refreshing space.

Thorough attention to creative office breakroom interior design and design

We recommend that you create a space with a high level of design while still maintaining the purpose of the break space. A stylish break space will improve your company’s image and employee motivation.

It also has a cafe and a mini kitchen.

A café counter equipped with a coffee server and mini-kitchen transforms a simple break area into a social focal point. The readily available coffee acts as an immediate draw, encouraging people to gather and linger. The mini-kitchen, with its sink, refrigerator, and microwave, facilitates shared food preparation and consumption, further extending interaction time. This setup fosters a sense of community, allowing colleagues to casually interact outside of formal meetings. The act of making or sharing coffee or a quick snack creates a natural opportunity for conversation, breaking down barriers and fostering informal communication. By providing these amenities, the breakroom becomes a hub for spontaneous collaboration and idea exchange, strengthening interpersonal connections and boosting overall workplace morale. The café counter essentially becomes an informal meeting point, where casual conversations can lead to innovative ideas and stronger team bonds.

Create a space where you can take a break alone

It is also important to provide a solo space where you can think alone at your leisure. By providing various types of spaces, such as “a place where multiple people can take a break” or “a place where you can take a break alone without worrying about others,” you can expand your options so that you can choose the place according to your mood at the time.

Make arrangements so that meetings and consultations can be held

To make the space more usable, try to make it a place that can be used for multiple purposes, not just for resting. For example, by using furniture with casters, you can freely change the layout according to the number of people and the purpose, and it can be used for meetings, etc.

“Green” office breakroom ideas

Sustainable office design is much more than a passing trend in the corporate world; it represents a commitment to the future of the planet and the well-being of its inhabitants. The way we design and build our office breakrooms can have a significant impact on the environment and the health and productivity of those who occupy them. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach that integrates sustainability principles into all stages of the breakroom design and planning process.

Designing a sustainable office break space involves careful consideration of a variety of aspects, from material selection to optimizing energy and water use. It also involves creating spaces that promote employee well-being and foster a corporate culture geared toward environmental responsibility.

Outdoor office breakroom ideas

Can a company’s breakroom be outdoors?

Yes, a company’s break room can indeed be outdoors, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional indoor spaces. An outdoor break room can significantly enhance employee well-being by providing access to fresh air, natural sunlight, and a connection to nature. This can lead to reduced stress, improved mood, and increased creativity.

Designing an effective outdoor break room requires careful consideration of environmental factors and employee needs. Comfortable seating, shade from direct sunlight, and protection from inclement weather are essential. This can be achieved through the use of pergolas, umbrellas, or covered patios. Incorporating greenery, such as potted plants or a small garden, can further enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

Amenities like picnic tables, benches, or even outdoor games can encourage social interaction and team building. Providing access to a water source and perhaps a small outdoor kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave can increase convenience. In areas with varying climates, heating elements or fans may be necessary to ensure year-round usability.

A well-planned outdoor break room can transform a simple break into a restorative experience, fostering a positive work environment and boosting overall employee satisfaction.