When you think of a traditional breakroom, do you picture a cramped, sterile kitchen in the corner of the office? With uncomfortable cafeteria seating and a congested water cooler congregation, the common area definitely needed an overhaul to serve its modern workforce.
Breakrooms in the Modern Workplace
Away with the uninspired colors and design of breakrooms’ past. A company’s breakroom can be considered a perk of the job. The workforce has changed and so has their expectations for their workspace. Millennials, the largest generation in the current workforce, want to work in a space where they can find balance between work and relaxation. A thoughtful breakroom with comfortable seating, healthy snacks, and quality coffee can help your company stand out when attracting and retaining talent.
The modern breakroom is no longer just a place to eat lunch and chug down stale coffee. It is a space that voices a company’s culture and improves office morale. Its thoughtful design elements promote work-life balance, encourage mental recuperation, and stimulate productivity. Breakrooms have also become a facilitator for collaboration. Because as a neutral space, they allow executives to seem more approachable, and colleagues to feel able to speak freely with one another.
How to Rejuvenate Your Breakroom
Sometimes all that’s missing in your breakroom is a new coat of paint. Different color paint can separate your breakroom from your workspace, reinforcing the distinction in your mind between work and relaxation. Color psychology can help you choose the right shade for your breakroom. Studies in color psychology show how color provokes a subjective human response. Different colors are proven to impact one’s behavior, emotions, and even workplace performance. Blues and greens are calming and encourage emotional wellbeing, while reds are energizing. And after you’re able to fully disconnect in the breakroom, you’ll likely feel reenergized and more productive on the job.
Need more than a fresh coat of paint? Change up the seating options in your breakroom. You can facilitate collaboration by opting for family-style dining tables or picnic tables. Or add some privacy by bringing in some nook and nap pods for the introverts seeking refuge. Wobbling chairs and tall countertops promote ergonomic well-being. Couches and recliners provide the casual seating needed for relaxation and recuperation. The possibilities are endless. And by including a variety of seating styles, more workers are able to find their perfect spot to unwind or connect.
To help your workers feel at home in the breakroom, consider including a wall dedicated to announcements and achievements, concerning company or individual matters. This feature can add a sense of personal belonging to the space and an investment in its upkeep. It also provides an outlet for workers’ voices to be heard, without interfering with work matters or engaging in office politics. And don’t forget to ask current employees what they want in breakroom. They’ll likely provide valuable insight into what your workers really want and need.
