Workplace Break rooms and Kitchenettes
When the word “office breakroom” is mentioned, most think of a small room in the back of the office, with the bare minimum equipment needed to grab a drink of water or coffee and reheat food from home, and hidden far away from guests as it is typically messy or not the most aesthetically pleasing. In contrast, a kitchen in a home is considered one of the most important spaces, and as discussed in our previous blog post the “hub” for so many daily activities. It is also extremely important when it comes to the value of the home. The importance of a residential kitchen has recently influenced the perspective of office break rooms and kitchenettes. Over the last decade, workplace kitchens have increasingly become a significant part of the office. No longer hidden, they are moving towards the forefront of the workplace.
Looking at current or updated office space designs, we often see the kitchen now at the front, acting as an energizing extension of the office space. The placement and design of the kitchen can reflect how the company interacts and its culture. While the kitchen does not always have to be front and center, the placement and layout of it within the office should encourage people between different departments to interact. This encourages employees that typically do not interact regularly on a day-to-day basis to exchange ideas and thoughts. New interactions lead the company in having a stronger bond, and subsequently communicating even better during projects. Therefore, the break area should also be a comfortable and inviting space, to encourage conversations while also being a space for employees to take a necessary break. It can also be used as informal meeting space for companywide presentations, or for teams to collaborate and share ideas.
A well-designed kitchenette or break room encourages employees to stay at the office to take their lunch breaks, thus interacting with each other more often. It also helps increase productivity, employees’ energy levels, focus, and their overall happiness and satisfaction. Having a comfortable space to take a quick break and recharge from a desk and screen can make a big difference in an employees’ day.
Design a successful break room or kitchenette
It always helps if a design is appealing to the eye, but there is much more that goes into it to make it functional and efficient. Making the kitchen/breakroom the “hub” of the office does not necessarily mean it has to be a big open space in the middle of the workplace. It can be placed in a location that is easily accessible by everyone, but it can also be somewhat closed off to prevent noise and scents from traveling throughout the rest of the office. Fun partitions or acoustical barriers can be used to create separation. As in any space, sufficient lighting is also crucial. When selecting finishes and cabinetry, it is worth investing in resistant and durable options, as this space will be used by more people than a typical residential kitchen and will prevent the need for constant repairs or replacements. It is also important to offer employees the necessary products and appliances, so that everyone can contribute to keeping the kitchen clean. Providing a large dishwasher, cleaning supplies, sufficient sink space and ample trash and recycling helps prevent any unwanted mess or health hazards.
To make the kitchenette a multifunctional space, it is also a great idea to provide comfortable and durable furniture, with a variety of seating types. Providing employees with all the needed utensils, a variety of plates and bowls, and storage space is also a great way to ensure everything needed is stocked in the kitchen. It is also important to provide water, preferably a hot and cold water dispenser to save time when grabbing a hot cup of tea, and of course, coffee! If there is allowance for it, providing healthy snacks or beverages is another great way to provide a quick pick-me-up for employees, while also helping them feel appreciated. According to research by Fruitful Office, by just offering fresh fruit to staff, productivity can be increased by more than 10% and employees can feel more valued and healthier!
When considering a kitchenette or breakroom always consider your employees needs and how to best integrate this space into your office. McMahon Architects is always working with our clients to ensure the health, happiness and productivity of employees is expressed throughout the design, including a well thought out and executed break room or kitchenette.
