Have you ever considered any office upgrades for your business? Do you want your business to operate more smoothly? Do you want a higher retention rate? Better yet, what about the talent, wanting to attract more? Well, when it comes to running a successful business, the focus often lands on strategies, profits, and productivity. Should that really be all thought?
Well, unfortunately, there’s one critical aspect sometimes (very often) that gets overlooked: the well-being of employees. Yes, you read that right. Creating a space where employees can relax and recharge during their workday is essential, and that's where a break room comes in. This shouldn’t even be seen as a “nice to have’ or a luxury. All businesses need this space. Breaks shouldn’t be at the desk; there needs to be a comfortable space for employees to, well take a break.
So, with all of that said, Here's why every employer needs to have one.
What are the Benefits for Employers Having a Breakroom?
It’s important to know that this isn’t going to be a waste of time or money. Think of it this way, an employee break room can give you more money, such as through the sale of refreshments, plus, employees being well rested after their break does mean more productivity, therefore more profits at the end of the day. But is that all? Well, there’s some other fantastic options to consider too!
Boosting Morale and Reducing Stress
Needless to say, work can be stressful, no matter how much someone loves their job. Really, the industry doesn’t even matter; it’s all stressful one way or another. Just think about it: there are deadlines, client demands, and the general hustle of the office environment, and all of this can take a toll. That’s why a break room is so important, as this provides employees with a dedicated space to step away from their desks, unwind, and decompress. A space to decompress shouldn’t be the bathroom or desk, either!
This can significantly reduce stress levels, making them feel more appreciated and valued. When employees know they have a place to relax, it boosts their morale, leading to a more positive and vibrant workplace atmosphere. A happy employee is a productive employee, and a break room is a key factor in fostering happiness.
Enhancing Productivity
It might seem counterintuitive, but encouraging employees to take breaks can actually enhance productivity. Constantly grinding away without breaks leads to burnout and decreased efficiency. A well-designed break room allows employees to take short, refreshing breaks, which helps them return to their tasks with renewed focus and energy.
Promoting Social Interaction
Why have a break room when people can just eat at their desk, that’s cheaper, right? Never ask this! A break room is more than just a place to eat lunch; it's a social hub. Just think about it, this provides an opportunity for employees to interact with colleagues they might not work with directly. These casual interactions can foster a sense of community and teamwork, which is essential for a cohesive and collaborative work environment.
Plus, you also have to keep in mind that building strong relationships at work can lead to better communication and cooperation on projects. When employees have a space to chat casually and get to know each other, it breaks down barriers and fosters a culture of openness and camaraderie.
Potential for Encouraging Healthy Habits
You can’t have unhealthy employees; that’s bad for business! Yes, physically and mentally, they are bad for your business! At first glance, it might not seem like it. Actually, a break room can be a fantastic option for promoting healthier choices for your employees.
You can look into a refreshment company to stock your break room, and yes, you can ask for only healthy options (so no junk food like Lay’s chips or Snickers). This will ensure that your employees have only healthy options (free snacks or not, it’s still a healthy nudge). They won’t resort to vending machines, fast food, or even those sodium-filled instant noodles, just healthy food.
Improving Job Satisfaction and Retention
So, this was briefly mentioned earlier, but definitely deserves an honorable mention again. So, employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with the company longer. If you really think about it, a break room is a tangible way for employers to show they care about their employees' well-being.
How to Create a Helpful Break Room for Your Employees
Now that we understand why a break room is so important, let’s dive into how to create a space that truly benefits your employees. Honeslty, there’s actually not a lot of work that goes into this, unless you want to put a lot of work into it of course (that’s optional).
Comfortable Seating and Relaxation Areas
So, for starters, your break room should offer comfortable seating. Ideally, you should invest in quality chairs and couches that provide a relaxing environment. You might even want to consider adding a variety of seating options, such as cozy armchairs, couches, and even bean bags, to cater to different preferences. The whole point is to escape temporarily from work- that’s the goal.
Entertainment and Leisure Options
So, this is nice to have, and it doesn’t need to be expensive either. So, if you wanted and had the funds, you could incorporate elements of fun and relaxation by providing entertainment options. A TV, magazines, or even a bookshelf with a selection of novels can give employees a mental break. Some companies go the extra mile by adding games like foosball, ping-pong, or board games, which can be great for team bonding and stress relief. You don’t have to add these, but you could.
Healthy Food and Drink Choices
It was mentioned earlier, but this definitely needs to be highlighted again. So, you can either buy the product yourself, or you can even hire a refreshment company for breakrooms to restock your space. Overall, there just needs to be a variety of healthy snacks and beverages.
Plus, a refrigerator and microwave are essential so employees can bring and store their own meals, promoting healthier eating habits. You could also partner with local vendors to provide fresh and nutritious meal options at a discount.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Have you ever watched The Office? Well, sometimes in the show, the characters remark on how disgusting the break room is, and sometimes they’ll fight about the dishes and who has made the microwave dirty.
You don’t want that fight in your company. So, do what you can to make sure it gets cleaned and stays clean, and yes, that means getting staff to clean up their messes. Regular maintenance checks can prevent small issues from becoming big problems, ensuring the break room is always in top condition.
Personal Touches and Customization
Add personal touches to make the break room feel more inviting. This could be as simple as adding plants, artwork, or a bulletin board where employees can share announcements or photos. Just don’t make this boring or bland.
Connectivity and Charging Stations
You might not need to do this, but honestly, every little bit helps, so a little charging station about some chairs could really help.
Wellness Activities and Resources
Alright, this sounds really luxurious, and to a degree, it is, but it could still be an option. For example, you could go cheap with some yoga mats or even go all out and hire a masseuse for a few days a month.
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