Spending the majority of your day in the office really takes a toll on you and, after a while, everyone starts yearning for a year-long vacation. Since this isn’t an option for most of us, we have to think about making our days just a little bit more bearable. One of the ways to do so is taking a longer lunch break and trying to relax a bit in the middle of the workday. Employees lucky enough to have cool employers don’t have to worry about this because they probably already work in an office equipped with a cafeteria. Spaces, where you can get a quick bite, drink a cup of coffee or talk to your colleagues, can make your day a bit less exhausting, which is why cafeterias, lounges and kitchens should become an essential part of every office. Here’s what they do and how they can take your business to the next level.
Designing and decorating office cafeterias
No matter how big your office is, there’s always room for a small kitchen connected to a lounge. Dedicating a part of your working area to this will make a lasting effect on your employees and they’ll realize how appreciated they truly are. Moreover, if you decorate and furnish your cafeteria patiently and thoughtfully, you’ll create an ambient everyone will love and enjoy. This is a big project so it is better to call home builders from Sydney in order to create a space you and your employees will rest and take breaks.
Decorating a cafeteria doesn’t have to take long, but there are a few things you need to pay attention to – use dark-colored rugs that don’t show coffee stains, as well as dark-colored furniture since this will be an area with lots of traffic. Also, add a few plants that will bring in a dose of nature into this space and make your employees extra relaxed. In the end, paint the walls in warm tones that create a cozy atmosphere, and install a sound system that’s going to play relaxing and ambient music all day long.
Small space with multiple functions
Even if you can’t provide your employees with a spacious cafeteria, you can still make it multi-purposeful. Keep in mind that adding several separate zones – eating area, coffee area, storage area, etc. – is more than important. First of all, insert comfortable chairs and tables where everyone can have their lunch and drink their hot beverages while discussing work-related issues and personal affairs. This is the best way to make your workers socialize and form stronger relationships, and it’s much more affordable than organizing expensive team-building activities.
Additionally, the cafeteria can be the place for people to take a break from their busy schedule, relax and recuperate for a while. That way, they won’t get too exhausted and overworked, and they’ll be able to discuss the tasks they’re working on with their colleagues and perhaps get a fresh perspective on things. Finally, this can be the space where you hold small meetings, welcome guests and conduct coffee interviews with potential new employees, so you have to make sure it’s furnished in accordance with the latest interior decorating trends.
Go all out with appliances, tools and supplies
If you expect people to eat food and drink coffee in your office cafeteria, you can’t equip it with improper appliances, tools and supplies. Most importantly, you need to enable them to prepare hot meals and soups that make everyone feel much better in a matter of minutes. Since incorporating a stove usually isn’t an option, opting for a quality and affordable microwave might be the best way to go – it will allow them to heat up their home-cooked meals and eat their lunch in a totally homely atmosphere.
Naturally, even though you don’t have to spend a ton of money on pricey kitchenware, you mustn’t omit other kitchen tools either. Remember that disposable supplies are always better than ceramic because they’re cheaper, easier to use and simpler to clean, so stock up on disposable cups, cutlery, bowls and plates. In the end, give your workers enough paper towels, cleaning supplies and napkins so that they can get back to work fresh and clean.
Other ideas
Some of the other ideas you should consider when setting up an office cafeteria include making sure the fridge is always full, creating a sustainable cleaning schedule and inviting your employees to follow rules and etiquette.
