When most people think of a breakroom, they think of a dingy place with fluorescent lighting and perhaps a communal table and refrigerator. It is not normally a place that leaves employees feeling recharged for the rest of their day. However, research has shown that companies that provide great breakroom perks have more productive and happier employees than those who do not. Here are a few additions your employees will love in their breakroom.
Healthy Food Options
An extra boost to performance can come when employers provide free breakroom snacks. It is important to keep snacks healthy and filled with protein and powerful carbohydrates for energy. Good options include nuts, yogurt, cheese sticks, fresh fruits and snacks with whole grains.
Free Beverages
Coffee is a staple of any office for many reasons, including the fact that it is well-loved by numerous people and helps people power through early mornings and afternoon slumps. To increase this perk, employers can try using specialty coffee makers, such as single-serve devices and espresso machines. Many coffee providers let offices and individuals purchase K-cups cheaply, saving money in the breakroom. Other free beverages to keep stocked for amazing perks are bottled water, soda, juice and tea.
Ambiance
An oft-overlooked aspect of many breakrooms is décor. Most breakrooms do not have any décor and only feature folding chairs, a table and a clock. However, the breakroom should look distinctly different from the rest of the office to provide a place to which employees can escape. Tasteful pictures, live plants and even cushioned chairs can create a welcoming space.
Recreation and Relaxation Space
The best breakrooms provide spaces for employees to truly relax and rejuvenate themselves before returning to work. There can be a space for recreation, such as a pool table, a foosball table, a flat-screen television and even a video game system. Another separate room could have recliners for resting or napping and a final room could have a phone for making personal calls in solitude. Employers should not overlook adding free Wi-Fi to break rooms; giving employees access to the Internet during breaks can eliminate much wasted time during office hours.
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Breakroom perks can make huge impacts for a company’s bottom line. In fact, according to Cornerstone, every dollar spent on employee perks leads to an $11 return. Creating an atmosphere that helps employees relax and recharge during break time can decrease time leaks throughout the rest of the workday.
Author: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. Anica writes on behalf of 11th Street Coffee, which offers great deals on K-cups for workplace beverages.
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