An interesting trend has developed in offices in recent years, often referred to as the breakout area. Companies have recognised the importance of providing staff somewhere they can go, away from their desk to relax for a short period so that they can return to their desk raring to start work again. We all use computers these days, or at least I hope we do or no one will read this! And sitting all day staring at a computer screen is not a particularly healthy pastime. It is recommended that computer users take regular breaks away from the screen and a good way to encourage this is to create a breakout area in the office.

The breakout area need not be an elaborate affair and could be little more than a sofa and coffee table screened off from the rest of the office. But with a little planning you could create an area that can be used for informal meetings, brainstorming sessions or just an area for staff to relax.

Stylish coffee bars and seating

When designing your breakout area decide what is going to be its primary function and then consider the furnishings you might use. If you are going to provide refreshments using a coffee or vending machine you might want to provide tables with easy to clean surfaces. Poseur tables can be useful as it allows staff to stand whilst having a table to lean on or maybe sit on a high stool. The important thing is to provide a very different environment from the rest of the office so that staff get a proper break from their terminals.

In many creative or more informal environments a playful element can be introduced. Table football or mini basketball hoops can be used to encourage a fun atmosphere and perhaps with a little competitive edge. This can offer further opportunities for team building competitions or inter departmental tournaments.

Seating will play a big part in creating an effective breakout area and the type you choose will be determined by environment, purpose and budget. You might be trying to create a quiet room for staff to sit and think and may want soft leather sofas to enhance the calm atmosphere. In a more contemporary setting you may prefer steel frame chairs and sofas in bold colour fabrics. Even stools and bean bags can be used to great effect and the key is to be a little creative and not constrained by the style of the rest of the building. Remember you are trying to create an area where staff feel they are away from the desk and benefiting from a few minutes real break.
Whether you decide to create a formal breakout area that can double up as meeting area or a purely fun space for your staff to let off steam breakout areas should not be overlooked when designing your next office layout. Some may think that giving space over to an area for relaxing is a waste of space and money but the reality of having happy and effective employees is that they will want to work hard and more importantly not want to leave.