Surveys and studies over the past few years have shown that a more extended lunch break and more short breaks during the day increases productivity and overall performance in employees. The best offices in the world are where people want to go to work, have fun, and are in a calm atmosphere and the companies have seen better changes. All of these concepts are already in use at multiple offices all over the world.
If you want all of the benefits of a better work environment, ask your employees what would make them feel better during a break to re-energize themselves to be more creative and inspired to proceed with their work.
Library
Having access to books is an excellent way for employees who look at a computer screen all day get a much-needed break for their eyes and relax in a quiet setting. Provide comfortable, plushy chairs and plenty of light (preferably natural), so if they are working on something difficult, they can escape by getting their mind off the project. You can even put in books that contain skills needed for the work that they might find useful, will pertain to them, and apply it.
Healthy Snack Bar
There is nothing quite as frustrating than getting to the early afternoon, and everyone in the office starting to get hungry and grouchy. Providing a healthy snack bar is a sure-fire way to gain happy points from employees. They will have to get up, walk over to the snack bar, and have a quick break which allows them time away from any stress. Not only can this refuel them, but who doesn’t enjoy a free healthy snack during the long workday? Easy to eat foods like apples, nuts, yogurt, protein bars, and carrots are just a few examples of what you can provide. Studies have shown that employees that have a healthy snack provided for them, make them cheerier and more energetic.
Recreation Room
Recreation rooms are more common all over the world, especially in Europe, United States and Australia to help team comradery and boost office morale if set an office. Australia is creating more fun and exciting work environments for employees to go to exert energy for more pleasurable workplaces. Jim Side from Quedos.com.au says that more Australian businesses are creating in-office recreation rooms for their employees. You can mix things up with all kinds of games that include brain stimulation and some physical requirement so everyone can get in on the action. Board games, puzzles, pool table, table tennis or football table are a few examples.
Gym
It doesn’t have to be a whole gym necessarily, but if you are able to have a few exercise machines that will allow employees to stretch and workout for a bit, studies show their brains will work much better. Working out has many benefits for the workplace like ridding of stress, general mood booster, and better focus for work. Treadmills, Ellipticals, free weights, mats, and medicine balls are some of the best choices for a small workout room in the office. If your office has no room for a gym, allow employees to take longer walks so they can head back to the office with an improved drive.
Coffee Place
Coffee is the signature beverage of the workplace. It has many benefits, and many people rely heavily on it to get them through the work week, let alone the day. If you can bring in an espresso machine or a custom coffee machine, employees can feel like they have their own barista. You can add distinctive touches around the coffee area like designated mugs for every employee, so they feel special, cute decorations, baked goods, and cool jars for additions to coffees like cinnamon or mint. It will encourage people to converse and engage with one another, even early in the morning.
Noiseless Room
Depending on the type of work, some people need to get away from all the noise and distractions. Even some employees need a quiet place to think and refresh themselves. It helps manage anxiety, worry, and promotes the employee’s well-being. It can be a small space with soft lighting (add candles if you can), reclining chairs or couch, calming scents, yoga mats for anyone fascinated with meditation and a quiet room.
There is plenty of evidence that having a place where your employees go to have a great day at work does wonders for the company and the office setting. Only providing a few of these perks to the job can will positively impact the employees and the work that they do. Implement these useful and reasonable changes for less turnover, reduction of absentee employees due to illness, more satisfied employees, and new efficiency.