Back to the Basics

Providing a breakroom is not a requirement, but a good way to boost morale and convenience:

• easier for employees to store and prepare food,
• grab a quick cup of coffee or snack between meetings or tasks
• for many, spending more of their break time taking an actual break instead of staying at their desk or spending break travelling to and from another location

The value of breaktime is the opportunity to mentally regroup and recharge for the remainder of the workday, and if you can make that easier for your employees, they’re better able to perform and stay focused.

Investing in a modern, inviting breakroom environment that supports effective breaks helps your bottom line and keeps employees engaged.

Start with Your Employees

No two employees are the same, even if they do the same job. Everyone has different preferences and routines when it comes to breaktime.

The key is to design a break room that isn’t one size fits all, so it accommodates different ways to use the space from dashing in to microwave lunch then back to their quiet desk, to the employee who likes to sit quietly at a small table away from their desk and read, to the group who dines together while playing cards at lunch.

Start by observing how your current breakroom setup is used:

• Is it usually occupied during breaktimes, or are there few signs anyone is using it?
• Does it feel clean and inviting?
• Is it cramped or full of items that don’t belong?
• Are appliances and sinks in good working order?
• Is there easy access to supplies for coffee, cleaning, and eating?

This exercise can help you identify needed changes.

Explore Breakroom Solutions

Tips For Your Breakroom Redesign

Even small spaces can be the basis for a relaxing and enjoyable break area.

Make Breaktime as Appealing as the Coffee Shop Run (or More!)

Coffee is often synonymous with a breakroom – many employees start and punctuate their workday with a cup of coffee (or two).

Improving your employees’ routine coffee break is a great way to make the daily grind a little more convenient and enjoyable.

• Speed up the brew time: Keurig-brand coffee makers are fast, familiar, and user-friendly options that make it easy to provide a variety of flavors, as well as beverages like tea, hot cocoa, or cider.
• Offer add-ins: Creamers in different flavors, sweetener options, honey, etc.
• Have cup-will travel: High-quality hot cups, stir sticks, lids, and sleeves add convenience and prevent the dreaded mystery mug that lives in the sink.

Office Basics has a large selection of coffee and beverage products that will enhance any breakroom experience.

Update Breakroom Appliances

The simple truth is that employees don’t have the time or inclination to deal with appliances that are old, inadequate, or unreliable during their breaks. Modern appliances are available in a variety of sizes and styles to keep any breakroom functional. Options include:

• Single-serve coffee makers and stations
• Large-batch coffee makers
• Microwaves
• Water, hot water, and ice dispensers

Convenient Details that Make a Big Difference

Small touches like charging stations, multiple electrical outlets, and adequate counter and storage space have an outsized impact on employees’ desire to spend time in a space.

Two critical areas to focus on include snack options and cleaning supplies.

Stock Up on Healthy Snacks

Many people are motivated to make healthier choices for snacks, especially at work.

Having easy access to snacks that are both tasty and nutritious is another small but powerful way to show employees you understand their needs and preferences.

Office Basics makes it easy to stock up on snacks employees want, from brands they recognize and trust. And it’s much more manageable than trips to the warehouse club.

Make Cleanup Easy

A clean breakroom is a well-used breakroom - no one wants to eat or relax at a sticky table or set their cup on a counter covered in crumbs. Nor does anyone have time to spend tracking down cleaning supplies.

Make it easy to maintain a clean space that everyone can enjoy:

• Cabinets for supplies: paper towels, sponges, dish soap, cutlery and dishes, mugs, spray cleaners, wipes, and extra coffee supplies.
• If considering reusable towels and dishcloths, make sure to have a plan for laundering regularly.
• High-quality single-use options, including many sustainable choices.

Streamline Breakroom Upkeep with Our Supply Solutions

Zone the Space for Different Users

Breaktime looks different for each employee - some in groups at a table, some quietly alone, some prep food, others bring take-out.

Common features include a large table or tables and chairs, comfy chairs with side tables, large counter space, a sink, microwave, refrigerator, etc.

The breakroom itself is a zone. Physically separate it from main work areas, either with a partition, door, other room dividers, or even tall plants. These visual boundaries are a reminder to all staff that break time is their own.

Our design and planning services can help you define and create zones that reflect and support your employees’ needs.

Create an Inviting Space

The office isn’t the same as home, but the breakroom is one area where home-like touches can go a long way.

Available square footage varies, but it’s often possible to incorporate furnishings, decor, and floor plans that feel more like a home kitchen or casual eating area than a sterile cafeteria:

• Wooden or high-end composite surfaces and cabinets
• Sinks that are big enough for full-sized dishes
• Soft chairs, a couch, or a booth
• Warm colors, plants, and wall art

Select high-quality furniture that makes sense for the space. Unlike furniture designed for home use, breakroom furnishings need to be durable for frequent use by many different people throughout the workday.

A Breakroom Redesign is an Investment in Your Workforce

When employees know they have a breakroom that looks good, feels clean, and functions as intended, they’re more likely to use it and feel like they’ve had a true break.

It can be a daunting task to upgrade break space, especially if you’re working with limited square footage, old appliances, or just don’t know where to start. Office Basics can help. Book a consultation and let’s get started on your new breakroom.