Every workplace should have a break room of some kind. An area employees can go when they’re not actively working, allowing them to recharge, relax, and have a rest. As such, most spaces tend to be quiet areas made of comfortable furniture, and there’s usually a sink, fridge, and microwave nearby.
Most business owners know all of this, however, the right layout to fit it all in can be tricky to pinpoint. But that’s what these tips can help with; let’s make sure your break room is fit for employee best use.
Table, Chairs, and Sofa – All Seating Needs Covered
It’s a question that’s stumped many a business owner: how much seating needs to be in the break room? You don’t need a chair for every single person in the office, as people will be taking breaks at different times, going elsewhere, etc., but you do still need plenty of options.
This can be accomplished by placing a good sized table, along with a full set of chairs, and then a sofa against one of the walls. That way people can choose between the sofa and a chair with a surface, and seeing as there will be at least six spaces, there won’t be a shortage in finding a pew either.
Buy a Coffee Machine That’ll Keep the Line Moving
Most break rooms have a coffee machine, to ensure people can grab a morning cuppa when they first come in and can refill whenever they feel their energy dipping. However, you should be careful about the kind of coffee machine you invest in, as you don’t want anyone taking too long to brew a cup!
If people have a very manual, hands-on machine to use, they’re going to hold up the line and cause crowding during breaks and lunches. That’s why bean to cup coffee machines are the best type for a workplace setting; these coffee machines tend to have easy to use interfaces, and employees only have to press a button to get the cup they want.
Hang a TV and a Bulletin Board Next to Each Other
If there’s a TV in the break room, and employees are allowed to use it to watch programs they like during their break times, this is where eyes are going to be drawn most of the time. If the TV is on, even when someone doesn’t want to watch, they’re going to glance its way when they walk into the room.
Because of this, you should hang your bulletin board next to the TV. In doing so, any notices you put up on the board have a much greater chance of being looked at and read over. After all, if someone’s eyes have already landed on the TV, they will have passed over the board at some point in the process. And if there’s a new flyer pinned up, they’re going to see it!
Need some advice on your break room layout? Get started with these ideas.
