Description
It’s undeniable that a well-designed office kitchenette offers numerous benefits. Having a space to disconnect from work in the office is very important. This place can be, why not, a kitchen. Implementing this area in the company provides the possibility of sharing among colleagues, releasing stress, and much more. At Wallpaper Kenya, we tell you the benefits of having a kitchenette in your office.
After a few hours of concentration, it is normal for the mind to need a break. The kitchenette offers those moments of pause that are necessary to improve people’s productivity and effectiveness. These moments of relaxation are key to ensuring that work is done in the best possible way.
Having a kitchenette in your office also promotes healthier and more economical eating, allowing you to eat at work just like at home. Employees have the option of creating their lunches and organizing meals for the week, benefiting people who have a very restricted schedule such as allergies, plans, intolerances or some type of restriction when it comes to eating. So the kitchen becomes an essential area.
Office kitchenette versus private kitchen
A kitchenette is a compact, limited version of a kitchen, often found in smaller office spaces. But a small kitchen, while also space-constrained, typically aims to provide more complete cooking capabilities. Overlap exists in that both offer basic food prep areas. But a kitchenette prioritizes minimal space and essential appliances, while a small kitchen strives for fuller functionality.
Office kitchens do not have the same layout or equipment as a domestic kitchen. Because it is a space used by several people at the same time, it must be as functional as possible. The ideal furniture depends on the dimensions available in the space, however, bars or high tables with stools are always a good option. It is important to include a microwave, a refrigerator or minibar, a dishwasher, and storage furniture for both dishes and basic foods such as coffee, sugar, etc.
An important aspect to note is that, if the decision is made to supply the company with a kitchen, the employee will understand that the work area is for carrying out their professional tasks. And that there is a separate place specifically designated for eating. This means that they will not eat while they are at their work station. Thus promoting the cleanliness of the office.
Working and collaboration area for employees
Sometimes the kitchenette is transformed into coworking and collaboration areas for employees. This part of the office invites conversation, the emergence of new ideas and the ability for employees to get to know each other. It is often used for small meetings or to receive visitors.
The company’s image will benefit, since the dining area can be used not only by staff, but also by future visitors, who will see that the company cares about the well-being of its employees.
It is clear that a kitchen space in the office will always be beneficial for both employees and the company, it will create moments of tranquility, promoting new ideas, creating a good corporate image, and helping the company to develop well.
At Wallpaper Kenya we have a team of highly trained architects and designers who are ready to advise you on your projects. We know that creating spaces can be complex, but we design hand in hand with our clients.
Creative ideas for storage
Properly organized storage of kitchen utensils, seasonings, cereals, dishes, will make the office kitchenette cooking area attractive and convenient in functionality. And will also save the chef’s time, energy, and nerves. It is not difficult to arrange your kitchen pastime even in a small area: listen to the following recommendations, and everything you need will always be at hand.
1. Prioritize storage
Try to place the main items that are used most often (for example, pots, pans, spatulas, knives, cutting boards) closer to the work area. That is above and below the countertop, as well as under the hob. But place all large items in lower cabinets and cupboards closer to the doors.
Place actively used cutlery in a special organizer or hang it on a rail holder. Small items like salt and pepper shakers, spice grinders, do not leave on the tabletop. Because they take up useful space, while they can be quite conveniently placed on a hanging shelf. Or, if you still prefer to store some items on the tabletop, collect them on a tray or in an organizer. Because this method will not allow small items to “scatter” all over the work surface.
2. Organize storage by category
A simple rule: everything of the same type is in one place. Sort supplies and utensils by type. And then you can easily and quickly find what you need, and if necessary, tidy up the kitchen. Do not neglect dividers, which will help you organize the space of drawers and shelves more rationally, separating one category from another.
It is recommended to follow this principle when filling the refrigerator. One shelf for dairy products. Another for jams. Fruits and vegetables are stored in accordance with the conditions suitable for them.
3. Trays, boxes, cans
Convenient storage containers are the key to a neat and comfortable kitchen. Do not store cereals in store-bought bags: they tear, skew, spill, and cause real chaos in the cupboard. Put them in jars or tin boxes. Give jars of spices a separate place on the shelf in the cupboard away from bags of tea, coffee, and cocoa. Choose jars and containers for bulk products that are not round, but rectangular: this way they will line up as compactly as possible.
And if you have already decided to make your kitchen more comfortable and neat, then pay attention to the available plastic food containers. It is much more convenient to store identical containers that can be easily stacked one inside another than different ones that clutter up the shelves of cabinets and complicate storage.
Advantages of a kitchenette in the office
Certainly, locating a kitchen space in an office has multiple benefits. Here are some of them.
Increased productivity
Having a kitchen in the office means that employees don’t have to go outside for lunch or coffee. They can simply go to the kitchen area to eat or have a snack. This avoids wasted time travelling and also prevents employees from being scattered around the premises.
Optimizing time
Employees usually take between half an hour and 45 minutes to eat. This allows them to advance their work day, leave earlier, and balance their work and family life.
Promoting employee savings
Many employees take their prepared food to the office to have lunch at the company. This means that the employee does not spend money every day to pay for a midday meal and therefore saves money.
Healthier food
Everyone agrees that home-cooked food tastes much better. But it is also usually much healthier. Employees can opt for healthier, home-cooked menus that are free of fat and ultra-processed foods.
Socializing with colleagues and superiors
The time spent in the office kitchen serves not only to eat, but also to strengthen contact with colleagues. People talk, share, comment and the closeness between colleagues is closer.
Desks for working
By providing a kitchenette in the office, employees can heat food and sit down to eat at tables in the break area. This way, they are not forced to eat at the same desk where they work.