Break Room Musts for the Office

If you have an office, you might have spent hours picking out paint for the walls, thumbed through countless magazines in search of the perfect chair, and then devoted even more time to picking out the finest accessories that would help make the best statement about you. All this is certainly important, but how much effort went into the break room?

Perhaps the most underrated and neglected part of any office is the employee break room. If you think of this area as just a place to top off a cup of coffee and grab a doughnut, you and your co-workers are really missing out. Break rooms can be a mecca for creativity, chivalry, and even productivity if you set them up right.

Consider Color

Given that colors can impact mood in big ways, the color of the break room is majorly important. For example, red can increase your heart rate and breathing, and is typically used as an accent color. Green is a good way to bring in the outdoors and induce relaxation. Blue symbolizes loyalty, so it is no surprise people tend to be more productive in blue rooms. This site has more information on different colors and how they may impact your break room.

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Supply Brain Food

A snack is not just a snack. A snack can actually help keep your brain healthy, and a healthy brain might mean a better employee in the long run.  There’s a lot of research out there on the best foods for smart thinking, and this article includes good options for office snacks. For example, avocados can lower blood pressure, which may mean calmer co-workers and less drama for you!

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Don’t Neglect Rules

Office etiquette is not always as obvious as it seems. You can post signs, discuss rules at meetings, send out memos, and make open conversations an on-going part of the office culture to help keep people happy. Here are some easy rules to get things started.

Top Low Riders

These are some suggestions on creating a space where employees will actually want to take a break. What are some things you’ve done to make your own break room better?