There are several distinct areas of many offices that will hold importance to both employees and management, and a great example here is the break room. Whether you’re designing a new break room or looking to upgrade some of the features of your current one, there are a number of different directions you may go with this. At Premier Office Design & Furniture, we’re here to help. We offer a wide range of
office furniture and office design services to clients throughout Salt Lake City and nearby areas, covering all your possible needs. What are some of the most common and popular ways of upgrading a break room? Here are several to keep in mind.
Add Food or Drink
If your existing break room doesn’t offer any food or drink options, this may be the first thing you want to look into. Employees will appreciate being able to have something to eat or drink while they take a break, and it can make the space more enjoyable overall.You don’t need to go overboard with this, but adding a few vending machines or a coffee machine can make a big difference. If you have the space and budget for it, you could even add a small kitchen area with some appliances and basic cooking utensils.
Improve the Furniture
Another common issue in many break rooms is that the furniture is either insufficient or in poor condition. If chairs are uncomfortable or tables are wobbly, it can make the space less enjoyable to be in. Upgrading the furniture is a great way to improve the overall experience for employees.When
choosing new furniture, be sure to keep comfort in mind. Chairs and couches should be padded and support the back, while tables should be sturdy and at a comfortable height. You may also want to consider adding some additional features like TV stands or bookcases.
Include Some Games or Activities
One of the best ways to make a break room more enjoyable is to include some games or activities. This can help employees relax and have fun during their break, and it can also encourage them to socialize and interact with each other.There are a number of different games and activities you could choose from, depending on your space and budget. Some popular options include pool tables, ping pong tables, darts, video game consoles, and board games.
Make It Bright and Inviting
Another important aspect of break room design is making sure the space is somewhere employees want to be. To do this, you’ll want to focus on making it bright and inviting. This can be accomplished in a number of ways.First, you’ll want to make sure the space has plenty of natural light. If possible, add some windows or skylights to let in more sunlight. You should also use light colors for the walls and furniture to make the space feel more open and airy.You may also want to consider adding some plants or other decorations to make the space feel more warm and welcoming. Something as simple as a few potted plants can make a big difference.
Optimize Relaxation Potential
Down similar lines, it’s also important to make sure the break room is a place where employees can relax and unwind. There are a number of ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to use calming colors and soft lighting.You’ll also want to make sure the furniture is comfortable, as this will encourage employees to stay and relax for a while. If possible, you may even want to add some features like a massage chair or a small library.
Leave Room for Personalization
Especially if your break room and office are larger, you may want to leave some room for personalization. This can be a great way to make the space feel more like home, and it can also help employees feel more comfortable and relaxed.One of the best ways to do this is to provide some blank walls or empty shelves that employees can use to add their own personal touches. You could also add a bulletin board where employees can post pictures or other things.
Consider Fitness Upgrades
While you don’t necessarily want to turn your break room into a full-on gym, there are a few fitness-related upgrades you may want to consider. This is especially true if your employees are often sitting at desks for long periods of time.Something as simple as a few exercise mats or some free weights can go a long way. You could also add a TV and some workout DVDs, or even install a small treadmill or exercise bike.
Make It Easy to Clean
Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure your break room is easy to clean. This is important for both hygiene and aesthetic reasons.One way to do this is to choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example, laminate floors are a good choice because they can be easily swept and wiped down. You should also make sure there’s plenty of storage space for things like dishes, silverware, and cleaning supplies. This will help to keep the area tidy and organized.By following these tips, you can create a break room that’s both enjoyable and functional. With a little bit of planning and design, you can create a space that your employees will love.For more on this, or to learn about any of our other office design or office furniture solutions for SLC clients, speak to our team at
Premier Office Design & Furniture today.
