By Theresa Bontempo
A well-designed break room can help boost the energy of employees and improve their productivity. Besides providing them with a break from their daily duties, a well-equipped break room can also help employees recharge and de-stress.
A break room is also a reflection of the company’s commitment to its employees. Your break room will be seen by many potential employees as a reflection of the culture of the organization.
These rooms provide employees with a reason to rest and take a lunch break. It can also help them work towards a healthier lifestyle by allowing them to drink water throughout the day.
Most employers were surprised to learn that federal law doesn’t require employees to take breaks from their daily duties. The Department of Labor also noted that there are no regulations in place that require employers to provide a kitchen or employee lounge for break rooms. Even though there are no federal laws regarding meal and rest breaks, nine states have laws in place that allow employees to take breaks.
While a break room may not be required in most cases under federal law, businesses that promote such areas as a place to de-stress and recharge promote better mental health for their staff members. This space can help employees connect with their coworkers and develop a stronger work environment.
Benefits of a Break Room in the Workplace
Although taking breaks may seem counterproductive, it’s also a great way to boost employee morale and improve their performance. A short break of about 75 to 90 minutes can help employees recharge and de-stress and keep them focused on their duties.
Employees can regain their focus by chatting with their coworkers or having a small snack in the break room. A company's culture can be affected by its break room, and workers may feel that their workplace doesn't prioritize their well being if the area is outdated. On the other hand, if it's enjoyable and modern, employees will know that the organization values their happiness.
While it's important to provide a well-furnished area for employees to use, it's also important to encourage them to use it. This can create a positive work atmosphere and help the company grow. Having a break room can additionally help employees develop relationships with their coworkers from other departments.
Many employees across different industries experience the effects of stress and fatigue, and it's only going to get worse.
According to a report released by Indeed, employee burnout has increased significantly, with 52% of workers stating that they felt this last year. By providing a conducive environment for de-stressing, employers can help their staff members reduce their stress levels.
Importance of Employee Wellness
Companies should prioritize employee wellness, as caring for their employees is a core component of any successful organization. Healthy staff members tend to be more productive and happy, and this can boost a company's bottom line.
More and more employees expect their employers to take care of their well-being, as they're searching for a job that provides them with a fulfilling life and a good work environment. Workers across generations rank having a caring environment as one of the most important factors that employers should consider when it comes to hiring and retaining employees.
How Should a Break Room Look?
According to architects, the ideal break room should feature a combination of aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. The report by the AIA claims that one should have a retreat that encourages informal collaboration and relaxation. Its calming color scheme and ergonomic furniture can help employees recharge and unwind.
The rise of open, flexible office spaces has led to the evolution of break rooms from traditional cubicles to areas that foster innovation and collaboration. Break rooms have become multifunctional spaces that can accommodate both informal meetings and relaxation.
The changing workplace environment has highlighted the importance of having a variety of meeting and relaxation spaces. As companies transition to hybrid work models and seek to maintain a sense of community, break rooms are becoming more important. According to a Harvard Business Review study, these areas can help maintain a positive work environment by facilitating casual networking and social interaction. In addition, over half of workers noted that their physical environment can influence their decision to look for a new employment.
Boosting Productivity & Preventing Burnout
Having a variety of games such as foosball, ping pong, and Pac Man in the office can help boost employee happiness. Although a break from the hectic schedule may be beneficial, it can also help reset one's thoughts. Playing with a colleague during a break can help boost one's morale and make the work environment more creative and productive.
Many Americans work over 40 hours per day. They often forget to take a break. Studies have shown that this type of behavior is very unhealthy and can lead to various issues.
The goal of a company is to have a positive and happy employee attitude. However, this may not always be the case. A negative mindset can have a significant impact on others, and a more positive one can change the energy in the room. This is true in a corporate setting, as the people are easily influenced.
Overwork can also lead to chronic stress. Although the terms stress and burnout may seem similar, they are actually different. Burnout is a type of exhaustion that occurs when one is exhausted physically, mentally, or emotionally. It can make one question their ability to perform their work.
Employees should take breaks throughout the day so that they can recharge and de-stress. Unfortunately, working past lunchtime is not good for one's health. In Northern America, most workplaces do not allow lunch breaks, and some employees choose not to take them out of habit as they want to appear more productive.
Some employees avoid taking breaks due to their concerns about being judged by their coworkers. Not taking breaks can negatively affect an employee's mental health and productivity. Unfortunately, 38% of workers claim that their employers do not encourage them to take breaks.
In the U.S., there are some managers who believe that staff members who take regular breaks are less productive. In reality, many employees claim that lunchtime provides them with a much-needed boost of energy and a renewed sense of purpose. Moreover, taking breaks provides employees with various benefits, such as improved health and reduced risk of developing chronic diseases.
The concept of recharging rooms in office space should be prioritized, as continually working without taking a break can make one feel like their battery is starting to drain.
Making a Break Room a Fun & Lively Space
A fun break room can help boost one's energy levels and productivity. In addition, eating a healthy snack or playing a game can help prevent a slump in the afternoon. Recharging and relaxing in the workplace can help lower stress levels, which can then boost general health and satisfaction.
A cool break room is designed to make the workplace more conducive to social interaction. It allows employees to meet and socialize with their coworkers outside of their work projects, which is very important for teamwork. Having a good break room can also help employees develop relationships with their employers.
Although they're still new to the workforce, millennials aren't shy about voicing their opinions about their preferred work environment. Because of this, they are more likely to have higher comfort levels than previous generations. The free flow of ideas has led to an increase in creativity.
New hires are more likely to anticipate an open office and a variety of comfort factors. They also believe that perks are important factors when it comes to choosing a job. Millennials are more concerned with the quality of life and are not afraid to make changes. Relaxation areas and healthy snacks are becoming more prevalent.
A less traditional office setting can help attract and retain top talent. It can also help boost employee morale and encourage growth within the organization.The goal of a less stressful work environment is to make employees feel valued and comfortable. Having a relaxing environment can help employees feel like their mental health and well-being are important to the company.
Workers are expected to use casual areas for relaxation. Companies can enjoy investing in high-quality furniture and having a safe and relaxing environment that's conducive to their well-being. A well-designed break room can help employees improve their efficiency and perform at their best.
How to Transform the Break Room
Here are some tips to take into action which will allow your break room experience to be taken to the next level.
- Create a Quiet Area
Some employees prefer to keep their break quiet, and creating a tranquil environment in your break room can be a great way to provide employees with a break from the busy world. You can use various types of lighting and noise-canceling devices to create a relaxing environment, which can be a saving grace for those who need a mental reset.
A quiet area is important for individuals who need to focus and destress, which should have comfortable seating and soft lighting. Some people also suggest adding various sensory items to their quiet space, such as scented candles and stress balls. These can help promote relaxation and mindfulness.
- Add In a Nature Feel
Not only can it elevate your office's decor, but plants can also help lower your stress levels and improve your productivity. According to studies, even just looking at a plant can improve one's mood and focus. You can find a variety of low-maintenance plants that are great for the break room, such as pothos and succulents.
- Prioritize a Kitchenette
Even if your break room is small, it should have a kitchenette. These inexpensive items, such as a coffee maker, microwave, and mini-fridge, will allow you to provide your team with more time during their lunch break. It will also help them save money and improve their eating habits.
Having a kitchenette can help strengthen team bonds and foster a sense of community.
- Include a Reading Area
One of the best breaks is one that allows people to take a break from the digital noise. A book can provide them with a much-needed break from the endless digital activities that they've been subjected to. There are a variety of magazines and books that can help employees improve their skills, and this reading area should also feature light novels that can help them relax and recharge. Make the space more inviting by adding a few chairs, and the lighting should not be too strong.
- Photo Wall
A photo wall is a type of display that can be displayed in the office break room, which can help employees get to know each other better. It can also help build a sense of community by allowing people to share their personal photos.
Some of the photos that can be posted on the wall include pictures from various events, such as Christmas parties, and special occasions in one's life. This activity can help break the boredom and help the team members get to know each other better. Image courtesy of N. Lalor Photography.
Allow Shift to Help With a Breakroom Experience
Although digital signage is great for engaging with customers, it can also be used to communicate important information to employees. This type of communication can be utilized within the confines of your internal communications strategy to achieve your objectives.
You can place digital signage from Shift in areas that are commonly used by employees, such as the breakroom. This will allow you to easily distribute important information to everyone in the organization.
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