In an increasingly stressful professional world, the break room has become a veritable refuge for employees and their peace of mind. But why opt for a Zen break room? Quite simply because it contributes to the well-being and comfort of employees, reduces stress and improves productivity. A well-appointed relaxation area allows employees to release pressure, recharge their batteries and return to their work more focused.
Companies that invest in a relaxing break room often find that the atmosphere within their teams improves, staff turnover falls and employee satisfaction rises. Providing an environment conducive to relaxation also sends out a strong message: employee well-being is a priority.
What is a zen break room?
Definition
A Zen break room is a rest area designed to offer calm and serenity to employees. Unlike a conventional break room with a coffee machine and a few chairs, a Zen break room is designed to encourage relaxation and letting go.
Elements to create a peaceful atmosphere
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Comfortable furniture: plush armchairs, footstools and sofas for maximum comfort.
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Soothing decor: Soft colours, subdued lighting, green plants for a natural ambience.
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Dedicated areas: reading corner, nap area, meditation area.
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Adapted equipment: coffee machine, water fountain, relaxing music, essential oils.
The aim is to make this place a cocoon where employees can really switch off, even for a few minutes.
5 steps before setting up a zen break room?
Setting up a zen break room needs to be thought through in relation to the needs of employees and the culture of the company. Here are the essential steps for a successful layout:
1. Identify employees' needs
The diversity of employee expectations
Every company is unique, and employees’ expectations vary. Some may prefer a quiet room to rest, while others may want a sociable space to chat over a coffee. It is essential to survey employees to understand their needs and design spaces that reflect them.
The importance of space design
The company must consider the diversity of needs when designing spaces that cater to both work and relaxation. Whether it’s a break room or spaces dedicated to collaboration, each company must ensure that its employees feel comfortable in the working environment it offers.
Following trends and meeting needs
By considering the requests for each space, the company will be able to create a work environment conducive to productivity and employee well-being. Moreover, the design of rooms must follow current trends to remain attractive and functional.
2. Create different spaces
A zen break room can have several zones, depending on your needs:
- A break room with comfortable armchairs and a subdued atmosphere, ideal for allowing employees to relax during their break.
- An entertainment area with board games or table football to relax and strengthen cohesion within the company.
- A catering area with a fully-equipped kitchen, microwave and coffee machine, providing a friendly place where employees can enjoy their break in pleasant surroundings.
- A wellness area dedicated to meditation, yoga and even micro-naps, to improve employees' well-being at work and encourage relaxation in the break rooms.
3. Go for calming decor
The design should create a relaxing atmosphere. Opting for natural materials (wood, bamboo), soft colours (beige, pastel green, light blue) and adding green plants helps to create a warm, Zen environment. Every company needs to think about how its employees can relax, whether in meeting rooms or in dedicated office spaces. This approach creates a pleasant atmosphere conducive to productive and serene work.
4. Choosing ergonomic and comfortable furniture
Seating should be adapted for relaxation: soft armchairs, cushions, footstools, etc. It is also a good idea to install carpets or areas where employees can sit on the floor for a more relaxed atmosphere. By incorporating this comfortable and appropriate furniture, companies can offer their teams an environment conducive to relaxation, while optimising the office space for the well-being of all. These choices meet the needs of each employee and enhance their experience within the company.
5. Incorporate elements that promote well-being
Soft lighting for a cosy atmosphere
Lighting plays a key role in creating calming spaces or environments. A light that is too harsh can increase stress, while soft lighting creates a warmer, more relaxing ambiance. It is beneficial to offer different light intensities depending on the needs of the staff and the spaces within the break room.
A sound environment conducive to creativity
Ambient noise strongly influences tranquility and concentration. Providing soft music or nature-inspired sounds (such as the sound of waves, birdsong, or light rain) allows employees to relax and can sometimes stimulate their creativity. Some employers even incorporate digital tools like Google Assistant, allowing employees to choose the sound atmosphere that suits them.
Aromatherapy for a relaxing effect
The diffusion of essential oils is an increasingly popular trend in workspaces. Certain scents, like lavender or sweet orange, have a calming effect and reduce stress. This step of creating a pleasant olfactory atmosphere contributes to overall well-being and productivity.
A reading nook and board games to vary break times
Providing books and magazines allows employees to escape for a moment. It also encourages personal development and can be a great way to inspire new ideas. Additionally, incorporating games in the dining area or in a dedicated zone creates a friendly atmosphere and strengthens team cohesion.
Each element plays a vital role in the design of a zen break room. By meeting the employees' needs and offering them a space conducive to peace and relaxation, the company creates a more pleasant work environment, beneficial for both the employees and overall productivity.
The ideal break room
An area dedicated to relaxation and sociability
The break room has been designed as a place for employees to disconnect. This space provides an environment conducive to relaxation, allowing staff to take a break from their daily tasks. It promotes sociability, with spaces for colleagues to gather during breaks, which enhances internal communication and facilitates easier interactions with employees.
Layout and comfort
The layout of the break room is based on comfortable and functional furniture. Chairs, elements such as green plants, and other decorative items create a warm atmosphere, in line with modern trends for relaxation spaces.
Encouraging team cohesion
The relaxation area within the premises also serves as a meeting point for team members, a place where employees can interact and recharge together. The space is designed to encourage informal interactions, thereby strengthening team cohesion and collective dynamics. By offering a functional and pleasant break room, the company demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its employees.
Games in the break room
In a break room, it’s possible to have games to allow employees to entertain themselves during their breaks. You can find card games, consoles like the Switch, and other fun games to offer a moment of relaxation and enjoyment. These activities allow employees to clear their minds, strengthen social bonds, and return to work feeling more relaxed and motivated.
Additionally, in a break room, these games play a role in the company’s internal communication by providing an informal setting conducive to exchanges and team cohesion. These shared moments facilitate interactions between colleagues and help strengthen professional relationships within the company.
Conclusion
Creating a zen break room where employees can unwind is an essential initiative to improve workplace quality of life. A well-designed relaxation space prioritizes employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. With thoughtful décor and appropriate facilities, such as a microwave for meals or a dedicated coffee break area, it’s possible to meet everyone’s needs.
By implementing suitable practices and following a layout guide, businesses have effective means to enhance employees' quality of life. A well-equipped break room then becomes a true asset to the office and contributes to improving the work environment.
FAQ
How should a break room be decorated?
For optimum design, use soothing colours, green plants and comfortable furniture to create a truly relaxing space.
How does a break room promote internal communication?
The break room promotes internal communication by providing an informal space where employees can exchange ideas, strengthen social links and improve team cohesion. These moments of relaxation encourage spontaneous interaction and collaboration between colleagues.
What do you call a break room in an open space?
It can be called a ‘relaxation area’, a ‘breakroom’ or a ‘Zen corner’, depending on the preferences of the team and trends in workspace design.
How should a company break room be sized?
It all depends on the number of employees, but it is advisable to allocate around 10 m² per group of 10 employees to ensure a sufficient and pleasant rest area.
What facilities should be provided in a break room?
Break rooms should include a kitchenette with a microwave and coffee machine, comfortable seating, appropriate lighting and entertainment options to help company employees relax.
