When it comes to rethinking your office layout, there’s one provision that many businesses have realised is a must-have. The growing popularity of breakrooms in workspaces isn’t a temporary trend, with their importance being recognised throughout the UK. Here are just a few of the reasons why the office breakroom is a vital part of boosting staff wellbeing, productivity and corporate culture this summer.
An opportunity to recharge
When we talk about office breakrooms, we don’t just mean a small space to grab a speedy brew away from your desk. Contrary to the prevailing thought of previous decades, research has shown the positive impact of staff taking regular breaks. Stepping away from desk work helps replenish mental energy and improves focus, enhancing productivity. But these breaks should be taken in an inviting, comfortable and dedicated area, designed to encourage temporary rest and reset.
Reinforcing company culture
By making allowance in your office design for a specific area for worker breaks, you’re communicating how much you value them. And when team members feel more prioritised, they’re more likely to be engaged with (and committed to) their organisation.
A survey by workplace consultancy WorkHuman found that staff are 73 percent less likely to experience burnout if their employer invests in their happiness. And the informal spaces provided by breakrooms also foster social interactions between colleagues in different departments. This is an essential contributor to collaboration and teamwork, which strengthens innovation and overall positive atmosphere.
Why do I need a breakroom now?
The post-pandemic evolution of workplaces has brought breakrooms to the fore, as they can:
- Ease the transition between home and office for hybrid workers
- Provide a welcoming environment that staff can look forward to using
- Encourage catch ups with colleagues that may not happen when working online
And despite the numerous benefits, the costs of incorporating an office breakroom are relatively low, considering the return on investment. This is measured not just in financial terms but also in staff satisfaction, retention and productivity. And with the discomfort and drowsiness that a hot summer spent at a desk can create, the time to invest is now.
Ready to transform your office space?
By consulting with an experienced office design and layout consultancy, you can create a breakroom that works as hard as your employees. These stress-relieving, socially facilitating spaces can significantly impact both worker wellbeing and your bottom line, if created correctly. And by incorporating elements like natural light and comfortable seating where possible, you’ll encourage healthier habits in your office.
Please contact us today to talk about your breakroom requirements with a helpful and experienced professional.