Many office managers don’t think much about the design of the office break room, or as some companies call it, the employee lounge. But it’s an essential part of every office because it enables employees to take a mental and physical break from their work—and even just a short break can make a huge difference in terms of productivity and energy levels. Consider upgrading your break room and you’ll immediately notice the difference in terms of your employees’ happiness levels as well as their productivity.

Here are a few design tips for your office break room that will give you lots of bang for your buck:

• Set up a coffee station that offers employees all the coffee essentials—sugar, cream, cups, and stirrers at the very least. Providing different kinds of sugar substitutes would be wise for those who prefer those, as well as both liquid and powder cream. Show your employees you really care by providing good quality coffee. Many people appreciate it if the coffee is organic. Consider rotating coffee flavors for variety—French vanilla, hazelnut, and mocha are great options to get started. Providing free coffee is a relatively inexpensive (even if it’s on the mid- to higher end of the coffee quality spectrum) way to boost employees’ productivity because it’s been proven to lengthen attention spans, increase positive feelings, and provide an energy boost, which is especially needed first thing in the morning and in the afternoons.

• Differentiate your break room by using a different color paint on the walls than in the rest of the office, implementing comfortable furniture, and setting up a calm, peaceful ambiance. This will help employees feel like they’re in a whole new setting, so they can disconnect from any stress they’re experiencing at work. When they return back to their desks, they’ll feel truly refreshed and ready to dive back in with renewed vigor.

• Make it a welcoming venue—the perfect place for office celebrations including birthdays, baby showers, retirement parties, and any other social event. Make the design as eye-catching as you can to spark visual interest and make people want to spend time there. Consider including games, thought-provoking books, healthy snacks, artwork, and anything else that springs to mind that would serve as conversation-starters and team-builders for your employees. They’ll reward you with greatly increased satisfaction and higher performance. It’s so worth it!

But wait, it gets better:

When the break room becomes the place to congregate during a regular break, the lunch hour, or for an office party, you know you’ve done a good job with the design. Listen to your employees when they voice complaints or words of praise about the break room, and take their feedback to heart. You’ll prove that you value their happiness and wellbeing at work, leading to more loyal, hard-working employees. It’s a perfect win-win!

Here’s the kicker:

Come to PnP Office Furniture for all your office design needs, including the break room. Our fabulous office designers will offer advice tailored to your unique office, and we have fantastic deals on office furniture and accessories every week in our showroom at 940 South Rochester Ave. Suite D Ontario, CA 91761. Stop by or give us a ring at 909-390-0428 today!