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The break room is the heart of your office. It’s where employees recharge, socialize, and take a much-needed breather from work. If you’re an office manager who’s wondering what you should include in your employee break room, check out our list of must-haves.
Comfortable Seating
Comfortable seating is the foundation of any good break room. Your employees are more likely to use this space if it’s inviting. Think beyond traditional chairs and tables—consider adding sofas, lounge chairs, or even bean bags. The right seating can create a cozy, stress-free environment that encourages employees to take proper breaks.
Refreshments Station
A refreshments station is a must for any break room. Stock it with a variety of snacks and beverages to keep your employees happy and hydrated. Include healthy options like fruit, nuts, and yogurt alongside treats like chips and cookies.
A coffee machine is also a great addition. Offering a range of options like espresso, cappuccino, and tea can cater to different tastes. Don’t forget to provide proper supplies, like cups, napkins, and utensils.
Entertainment Options
Providing entertainment options in the break room can help employees relax and recharge during their breaks. Consider including a TV, board games, or a ping pong table. These activities can encourage socialization among coworkers and alleviate stress.
You could also provide reading materials like magazines and books for those who prefer to unwind with some quiet time. Don’t forget to regularly update these options to keep things fresh and interesting for your employees.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Supplies
No one wants to spend time in a dirty break room. Keep your space clean and hygienic by providing cleaning supplies. This includes disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitizer. Encourage employees to clean up after themselves by placing these items in visible, easy-to-reach spots.
Fire Extinguisher
You want your break room to include a lot of fun, convenient things. But don’t get so distracted shopping for ping-pong tables and coffee machines that you forget to add safety essentials to the room!
One item all employee break rooms should have, especially if you provide your employees with a functional kitchen, is a fire extinguisher. When your employees have access to a fire extinguisher and know when they should use it in the workplace, they can safely put out any accidental “oops, forgot lunch in the oven” fires before they get out of hand.
Personal Touches
Finally, don’t be afraid to add personal touches to your break room. Consider putting up a bulletin board for employees to share photos or notes or adding a suggestion box for feedback and ideas. You could also decorate the space with artwork created by employees or display company achievements and milestones. These small details can make the break room feel more personalized and welcoming.
What should you include in your employee break room? Every company is different, so the answer will vary. But these must-haves are a great starting point for creating a break room that will help your employees feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle their work with renewed energy.
You may also like: Top 5 Ways Having Coffee and Tea in the Office Pantry Helps Improve Productivity Among Employees
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