Why Your Employee Break Room is Missing the Mark
Have you ever watched The Office? Have you ever noticed the employee break room looks really, well, sad? If you want to boost employee wellness, you’re doing it all wrong just by providing a couple of dining chairs, a sink, and a microwave. Instead, the break room should be a little slice of comfort in the middle of a busy workday, a space where employees can relax, recharge, and grab something to eat or drink.
But too often, it’s a missed opportunity. Just think about it, a poorly thought-out break room isn’t just disappointing; it’s demoralising. So, is yours? Well, here’s where businesses are getting it all wrong and how to make it right.
Making Employees Pay for Basics
Here’s the thing: charging employees for coffee, water, or snacks is just rude. They’re already giving their time and effort, should they really have to dig into their wallets every time they need a caffeine boost?
For starters, providing free coffee is one of the easiest ways to show employees they’re valued (it’s small, but at this point, it’s pretty much a necessity). So it’s best to look into investing in a good coffee machine, like a fancy one from Liquidline, which can immediately elevate the whole experience (rather than an old coffee-pot style of coffee maker). It’s about more than just coffee; it’s about creating a space where employees feel cared for. Plus, everyone has different ways they like their coffee. But it’s not just about coffee though.
Vending machines are fine, but if they’re stocked with overpriced crisps and chocolate bars, it might be time to rethink things. For example, why not look into subsidising the snacks or, better yet, making them free? Besides, little perks like this can go a long way in boosting morale.
Designing a Space No One Wants to Be In
Yes, this is a big deal! So, a break room full of uncomfortable chairs, harsh fluorescent lights, and outdated decor isn’t exactly inviting. If it feels more like a storage closet than a place to unwind, employees won’t use it, and that’s a problem. Yes, this is serious too!
Just go ahead and think cosy furniture, warm lighting, and enough seating for everyone. Besides, a bit of thought can turn the break room into a genuinely enjoyable space. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional and comfortable enough that employees actually want to take their breaks there.
Serving Up the Same Old Snacks
If your break room is still relying on instant coffee and a dusty vending machine with crisps no one likes, it’s time for an upgrade. It was mentioned earlier, but this really deserves far more attention! So, employees want variety. Fresh fruit, granola bars, or healthier snack options show that you’re thinking about their well-being, not just ticking a box.
Forgetting Cleanliness and Stock
The Office break room was mentioned earlier, and it was usually dirty too, which led to arguments. Well, in real life, a messy break room with empty shelves and no clean mugs? That’s a no-go. Employees shouldn’t have to clean up someone else’s mess or search for basic supplies just to grab a quick break.
Ignoring the Social Factor
The break room isn’t just about snacks and coffee, it’s a hub for connection. Watercooler talk is seriosuly a thing of the past now. So, if the space feels sterile or isolating, it won’t encourage those casual conversations that help build a stronger team. Why not make it comfortable for your staff?