Your Employees Deserve a Break

If you walked into your employee break room, what would you see? Is it a place that is reflective of your organization? Is it a place where employees can comfortably enjoy their lunch or make coffee? Or, is it an unpleasant messy room that lacks order? As simple as the concept of a break room might be, it could be one of the reasons why your employees find themselves bored or uninspired at work.

Employee break rooms aren’t just a place to sit, eat, and leave. They can provide a work setting where employees can build strong relationships with coworkers. They also can show employees that they are appreciated and deserving of an area where breaks are encouraged. If your employee break room is not a place where employees can go to get re-energized during their break, it may be time to spice it up! Here are just a few ideas and some inspiration (no large budget required).

Get To Celebrating

Holidays and celebrations abound during the fall season. Many companies have parties or get-togethers for traditional holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s. But one of the best ways to get your employees excited to come to work and into a creative mindset is by generating excitement in the workplace. Is it Ice Cream Day? National Popcorn Day? Why not celebrate! Look up some fun national celebrations, or create your own! Halloween is approaching – take the time to decorate for the season and have Halloween stations throughout the office with delicious candy and healthy snacks.

Create a Coffee Bar

The one thing American workers love more than anything is coffee. Does your break room have a coffee machine? Consider creating a coffee station complete with the necessary compliments (creamers, sweeteners, etc.). What about implementing a coffee flavor of the month? And, don’t forget to add Tea options. If your employees love coffee and/or tea, give them a place to refresh. While at it, add snack bags of popcorn, nuts, fruit or granola bars and keep them nearby. It’s everyone’s job to take pride in the area and keep it clean. Surprise pastries and savory snacks “just because” are always a big hit.

Upgrade Your Decor

When was the last time your break room got a makeover? For those needing a refresh, think about a new coat of paint or ditch your old flooring. If you want to start fresh on a budget, change uncomfortable chairs for softer seats. Hang up a few pictures or motivational posters. Consider adding greenery to brighten things up. And don’t forget add holiday or seasonal decor to spice things up every few months.

Go Through the Fridge

Most beak room fridges are filled with old takeout containers and Tupperware. Not only can this be unsanitary, but nobody wants to open their break room fridge and be overwhelmed with a gnarly view or scent of someone’s old food. Toss anything old and allow for more room.

Your employees, especially those dealing with customers, managing hard tasks, and pulling extra weight due to worker shortages, deserve to walk into a clean, comfortable break room. Taking the initiative and sprucing up your break room encourages employees to connect, find a moment to destress, and encourage a positive workplace culture. Get creative, have fun, and show your employees you care about their workplace environment.

Do you need more guidance on creating a better, more comfortable workplace environment for your employees? Contact Cisso Bean & Dutch today! We’re happy to generate engagement ideas and answer any questions you may have about employee retention matters.