Ideas for break areas at work

The workplace well-being of employees is a factor that has a significant influence on employee performance. Many aspects come into play, such as the work environment, job security or the distribution of spaces in the office.

Having rest areas at work allows employees to feel more comfortable, work better as a team, reduce stress, and ultimately be more motivated, which leads to better performance and increased productivity.

Therefore, the design of rest areas at work is an increasingly important aspect in an office. The possibilities are many, but they will depend on the very nature of each business, the office dimensions available, the type of work being carried out, etc.

At Officechair365, we provide some interesting ideas for creating the best break areas in offices.

Types of rest areas in companies

Rest areas in companies can be very varied: from small kitchenettes where employees can have a coffee to much larger recreational spaces. However, the goal is for them to be more welcoming places than the actual office desk so that employees can have moments of disconnection throughout their workday. Let's look at some types of rest areas at work:

Break rooms with a kitchenette

In smaller offices, having a coffee area where employees have the basic elements (coffee maker, fridge, and microwave) to have a coffee or a snack can be very helpful.

Placing a high table and a couple of stools will allow workers to disconnect for a few minutes, interact with each other in a more relaxed tone, and have a snack when they need it.

This will improve teamwork, facilitate relationships among employees, and reduce stress levels in the workforce, which benefits productivity.

Rest in passage areas, workstations, or offices

Sometimes, in an office, it is enough to have a passage area with basic furniture so that workers can make a phone call or grab a drink.

Not too many elements are needed. An auxiliary table and several guest chairs already make it possible for employees to disconnect or even hold small, more informal meetings, fostering creativity and generating innovative ideas.

In larger offices, where individual offices are more spacious, a worker may simply need to step away from the work desk to recharge energy. In this case, placing an auxiliary table and a pouf or an armchair can facilitate a short break.

These details are often overlooked, but they can greatly contribute to employee motivation and performance. Therefore, when designing the decor of an office and choosing its furniture, it is important to consider such areas.

Tips for designing rest areas in offices

Having employees comfortable in their workplace is beneficial for the company itself, as it prevents issues like burnout syndrome and other similar problems that can diminish employee productivity.

As we said, designing rest areas in offices is a very effective way to relieve stress and improve commitment and productivity. However, to do it correctly, you should apply the following tips:

• The design of these rest areas should be modern or avant-garde, making it more attractive to all employees.
• Give a specific focus to the rest area, a place with its own style that generates positive energy and truly helps to disconnect from work.
• If you want this area to foster creativity, make it fun. More informal spaces are ideal for achieving this goal.
• If you intend for employees to use these areas for small informal meetings, create a space that is as comfortable and flexible as possible.
• For companies with large spaces where innovation is the primary goal, a leisure and games area may be the most suitable. Make the atmosphere of this place help them forget for a few minutes that they are in the office.
• If the dimensions of your office allow it, creating outdoor recreational spaces can be a great idea: green areas, tables, and Nordic chairs for having a drink.
• When opting for a coffee area, make sure they have everything they need at hand. Why would they want a coffee maker if they have to bring the capsules from home? Those details are highly valued.

In short, you should try to ensure that your employees find these rest areas in the office as places to disconnect and recharge energy to then give their best. This creates a better work environment, keeps the staff motivated, and has a very positive impact on productivity and performance. Everyone wins!