The importance of an office break out area

The modern way of working often involves spending a lot of time sitting at a desk glued to a computer screen, but it’s important to take a break. Dedicated break out areas are becoming an increasingly popular feature throughout many offices and here’s why. 

What is a break out area?

A break out area describes any space open to employees or visitors that is separate from their usual working area. It can be a place for employees to relax, eat their lunch and even hold informal meetings. Giving employees a break from a computer screen is essential in terms of complying with health and safety laws. Staff are required to take frequent breaks from their work stations when computers are being used.

Small to medium companies can sometimes see a break out area as an unnecessary luxury that the company cannot afford but employers should consider the benefits and how this will impact the company’s performance.

What kind of furniture to choose?

Break out areas are a great place for employees to take time away from their screens and unwind from the stress of the day. They can also be used for spur of the moment or informal meetings.

It’s important to provide different types of seating, such as canteen chairs or multipurpose chairs around a central table. This can be used for both meetings and for employees to have their lunch. Soft furnishings, such as tub chairs or sofas, can also make employees feel relaxed and comfortable when having a break.

There are many types of office chairs that are suitable for break out areas from various suppliers, such as Allermuir, Orangebox and Ocee Design which Bluespace can provide.

How to create an efficient break out area

An office break out area needn’t be extravagant or even take up much space. If a separate room isn’t available to the company, why not use a screening system to section off part of your open plan office and add some comfortable chairs and tables to allow employees a break away from their desk. A break out area can also double as an informal meeting area so it is important to consider noise pollution in busy or loud areas.

Give your employees or visitors somewhere to make their drinks so they can relax in the break out area. A tea-point takes away the need for employees to leave the building several times a day for the well-known coffee-run and can improve staff moral by providing this facility benefit.

Take inspiration from world-leaders in fun, modern office design such as Google and Amazon who take break out areas to a new level with innovative design, quirky themes and interesting furniture. You could even include a slide like Liftshare did in this office refurbishment by Bluespace!

Want to create an amazing break out area in your office refurbishment? Give Bluespace a call on 01603 722123 today. We’re experts in office design, serving Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.