Looking for tips on improving office break rooms

JohnAlaric
JohnAlaric Posts: 3 ✭
in Break Room
I’ve been thinking about ways to improve our office break room. Currently, it’s pretty basic and doesn’t offer much in terms of comfort or functionality. I want to create a space where employees can relax and recharge. Some ideas I have are adding more comfortable seating, better lighting, and maybe some small appliances like a coffee machine or fridge. I also wonder if there are any design plans or layouts to help organize a break room better. I recently learned about blueprint takeoffs and how they can be used to plan spaces effectively. Does anyone have experience using plans for such projects or suggestions for creating a more functional break room? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions on this. Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • Mike RZMAX
    Mike RZMAX Posts: 7,868 ✭✭

    I think you're not on the right forum for this kind of post.

  • Promo_code_RBAAN
    Promo_code_RBAAN Posts: 703 ✭✭

    How about a pinball machine?

  • Fizz_Code_FRERG
    Fizz_Code_FRERG Posts: 1,630 ✭✭

    Baby foot table

  • Celine_CodeAU1GF
    Celine_CodeAU1GF Posts: 693 ✭✭

    @PotatoStarch said:
    How about a pinball machine?

    Very good idea. 👍

  • Promo_code_RBAAN
    Promo_code_RBAAN Posts: 703 ✭✭

    @Fizz_Code_FRERG said:
    Baby foot table

    Is that foosball?

  • Ekay
    Ekay Posts: 39 ✭✭
    A Keurig coffee machine with pods always stocked, a microwave, and a fridge is a must so lunches don’t spoil. A direct water filter cold with hot water. Phone charging cables on the tables and comfortable chairs that are easy to clean would round it out.
  • Fizz_Code_FRERG
    Fizz_Code_FRERG Posts: 1,630 ✭✭

    @PotatoStarch said:

    @Fizz_Code_FRERG said:
    Baby foot table

    Is that foosball?

    Yes sorry was sure the english name was the same

  • alexanderluo10890
    alexanderluo10890 Posts: 1,831 ✭✭

    A pool table.

  • LABcrab
    LABcrab Posts: 44 ✭✭

    @PotatoStarch said:
    How about a pinball machine?

    I second that! Pinball and/or a retro arcade game (Pac-Man, Street Fighter, etc.) would go well in a break room. It's a good idea to have signs that prohibit food and drink near any games.

  • Sébastien_C
    Sébastien_C Posts: 1,216 ✭✭

    Seeing how everyone is locked to their phone nowadays, I would think you just have to make sure every chair has a wall charger beside it and nobody will complain ;-)

  • BeakBird
    BeakBird Posts: 5,557 ✭✭

    What are the dimensions of the room?

  • Captainluc
    Captainluc Posts: 148 ✭✭

    Here are a few thoughts you could share in response:

    It’s great that you’re thinking about making the break room more intentional—those spaces really do affect morale and energy levels. Comfortable seating and good lighting are a strong starting point. If possible, mixing seating types (soft chairs, a small couch, and a table with regular chairs) helps accommodate different needs, whether someone wants to relax or eat and chat.

    Using simple plans or layouts can definitely help, even for a break room. You don’t necessarily need highly detailed blueprints, but a basic floor plan with measurements can make a big difference. This is where concepts from blueprint takeoffs are useful: measuring the space, understanding clearances, and planning where utilities are (power, water) before choosing appliances like a coffee machine or fridge. It helps avoid overcrowding and ensures good flow.

    Other ideas that often improve functionality:

    Clearly defined zones (food prep, seating, quiet corner)

    Storage cabinets to reduce clutter

    Plants or wall art to make the space feel less “office-like”

    Plenty of outlets or USB charging points

    If you do use plans, even a simple scaled drawing or a free space-planning tool can help visualize different layouts before committing. Involving employees by asking what they’d actually use can also lead to better results and more buy-in.

    Overall, treating the break room like a small design project rather than an afterthought usually pays off.

  • Mark123_2024
    Mark123_2024 Posts: 9,143 ✭✭

    You need a fish tank...

  • Rastin
    Rastin Posts: 1,098 ✭✭

    @Ekay said:
    A Keurig coffee machine with pods always stocked, a microwave, and a fridge is a must so lunches don’t spoil. A direct water filter cold with hot water. Phone charging cables on the tables and comfortable chairs that are easy to clean would round it out.

    I would never recommend using someone else's cable especially one left in a unintended room. To easy to get your phone hacked that way.

  • BabySpiceFan
    BabySpiceFan Posts: 18 ✭✭

    I agree that leaving cables out is a bad idea. They can get damaged, stolen and more. Some charging stations have them built-in, but they are also prone to damage. I've seen most venues replace them with rentable power banks instead.

    A small number of venues have Qi wireless charging, but I find that wired charging works best.

    At the office and several restaurants, we have AC outlets that also offer built-in USB-A charging ports. These should generally work well, but those who want to be extra safe can bring a power-only USB-A to USB-C cable. These do not allow data transfer.

  • LaF
    LaF Posts: 12 ✭✭

    You could bring in a few plants. They clean the air and make the space feel more organic. You could have some fun and have a plant naming contest and give them little personalities. If you wanted to go further, you could have a journal for the plants and invite people to write in them for fun: imagine the adventures the plants have when no one is around, or have them pine for the people over the weekends/down time.

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