Quick Tips on Designing the Perfect Office Break Room

Modern-day offices are becoming more and more versatile, laid back, and creative. Companies are realizing that in order to boost productivity and keep employees motivated, they need to provide an environment that encourages such behavior. And what better way to show employees that they’re appreciated than to offer them a fun and relaxing break room? 

The key to designing the perfect office break room is understanding what employees do when they’re away from their desks. Some like to play, some like to read, some like to nap, and some like to browse the Internet on their phones. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to design a multipurpose break room that will accommodate all types of employees. 

Read on for tips on designing the perfect office break room that will help employees re-energize and help them through the rest of the work day.

Most employees will just want to sit back and unwind during their breaks, so it’s important to design an area in the break room that allows them to do just that. Incorporating comfortable seating such as couches and armchairs and opting for ambient lighting instead of bright fluorescent ceiling lights is an easy way to create an inviting office break room. 

Depending on budget, adding a TV area where people can watch their favorite TV shows or where they can play video games can be a good idea. However, it’s best to keep this section separate from other lounge areas as it might get a little too loud for those who just want to rest.

Although it is not a must, sectioning off the break room by including a ping pong table, pool table, or a foosball table creates a fun play area for employees. Giving them the opportunity to engage in these types of activities helps relieve stress so that they are ready to return to work fully energized. 

Also, by including multiplayer games in the break area, employees get a chance to interact with each other on different levels and they are able to form better bonds. This promotes collaboration and will make it easier for employees to work on projects together in the future. 

Unless the office has a separate cafeteria, there will have to be a lunch and coffee area in the break room. Depending on the size of the room, there can be high tables and chairs, a counter for microwaves and a sink, an area for the refrigerator, and most importantly, a dedicated area for the coffee machine. 

Creating a lunch area not only allows employees to sit down and eat their lunches, it also allows them to have meals together and to interact with one another. Helping employees build relationships promotes a healthy working environment for everyone.

An office break room shouldn’t be boring. It should be creative and stimulating, which is why it’s a good idea to stay away from stark colors. One can never go wrong with natural and warm colors, and including some greenery wherever possible is a great way to create a soothing environment. 

If the budget allows, adding decorative items to walls and tables can create an environment that employees will enjoy hanging out in. A break room shouldn’t necessarily resemble employees’ cubicles or work desks – it should be a relaxing space where they can escape to during their breaks.