Office breakrooms are essential for employees with heavy workloads because it is a places where they can take a break and relax. This area is significant because employees can become stressed if they do not take breaks, and work quality may suffer. Additionally, office breakrooms provide a place for employees to socialize, which can help improve morale.
However, a few things to remember when designing an office breakroom. First, the space should be comfortable and inviting. Various food and drink options should also be available, so everyone can find something they like.
Another important consideration is the features, amenities, and tools available to make employee break time worthwhile. Here are a few things you can add to make your break room one of the favorite employee hangouts.
Gaming Consoles and Devices
One way to get rid of work-related stress is to have fun. However, the office workplace does not precisely have the designs for it. Fortunately, you can decorate the office break room with gaming consoles and devices to give employees the stress-relieving activities they need before returning to their daily tasks.
Video gaming consoles and handheld devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, so, likely, your employees will already be familiar with them. You can ask around to see what systems or games they’d like to have in the break room. Alternatively, you can set up a couple of different consoles and let employees choose which ones they want to play.
However, limiting how long employees can play on the consoles will be necessary. You wouldn’t want anyone spending their whole break time playing games!
Board Games and Table Sports
Consider adding board games and table sports to the break room for a more old-school way to blow off steam. These activities can promote bonding and teamwork among employees.
A few classic board games that are sure to be hit are Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess. Try Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate or Boss Monster if you want something more modern. For table sports, foosball and ping pong are always popular choices.
The activities assigned in the office break room should not just be for fun but also for developing specific skills. Since most of those things require two or more members, they can be ideal for improving team chemistry. Your employees will learn how to work better with each other, which can benefit the company.
Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Employees need time away from work to relax and recharge, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take a mental break. Puzzles and brain teasers are perfect for this, as they provide a mental challenge that can help stimulate the mind. This stimulation can give employees a more focused approach at work, as they will be less distracted by thoughts of the puzzle they’re solving.
Puzzles also promote critical thinking skills, which are essential in the workplace. Employees need to think outside the box and analyze the situation to solve a puzzle. It can be applied to their job duties, as they may need to come up with creative solutions to problems.
Jigsaw puzzles are a great option because they come in various difficulty levels. For something a little more challenging, try Sudoku or crosswords. You can even create your custom puzzles using online tools like Puzzlemaker. However, mentally challenging crossword puzzle books might be the better option since they provide physical copies that employees can take while away from the office.
Overall, puzzles are an excellent way for employees to take a break from work while still getting some mental stimulation. They can help improve problem-solving skills and focus, leading to a more productive work day.
Comfortable Seating and Workspaces
The office break room should be a comfortable place for employees to relax, ensuring plenty of seating is available. A mix of chairs, couches, and bean bags will give employees plenty of options to select.
In addition to comfortable seating, the break room should have workspaces where employees can get work done if needed. This way, they can use their break time to catch up on work instead of doing it after hours.
A few essential things are desks, chairs, laptops, and printers. You can also provide other office supplies like pens, paper, and staplers. Those items will come in handy for employees who need to do some work during their break time.
Some people might also want to use the breakroom to rest their eyes or take a power nap. In that case, you can provide eye masks and blankets to make them feel more comfortable.
Conclusion
An office break room can be a great way to improve employee morale and productivity. When designing the space, consider the needs of your employees. Add comfortable seating, workspaces, and plenty of activities to keep them occupied during their break. With the right design, the office break room can quickly become one of the most popular places in the workplace.
