HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR COMPACT OFFICE
5 ways to make the most of your tiny office
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IS COFFEE ENOUGH? HOW TO DESIGN BREAKOUT SPACE THAT RE-ENERGISES YOUR TEAM
Let’s face it—when it comes to re-energising your team, coffee can only do so much. Sure, a caffeine boost might keep you awake, but it’s hardly a cure-all for the monotony of staring at the same desk every day. Enter breakout spaces—the secret ingredient for offices that want to keep their teams not just awake, but engaged and refreshed. These are the spaces where ideas flow as freely as the coffee, and where a change of scenery can transform even the most mundane workday into something worth talking about. Here’s how to make them work for you.
Understand the Purpose of Breakout Spaces
Breakout spaces are like the office answer to a shower thought—those moments of clarity and creativity you get when your mind finally has the room to wander. Just as standing under a stream of water seems to unlock genius ideas, stepping into a well-designed breakout space can trigger those same flashes of brilliance.
Research by the University of Exeter backs this up, showing that employees with access to flexible spaces are not only 32% more productive but also happier at work. This goes to show that a little change of scenery can do more than refresh—it can rewire how we think and work, turning mundane routines into moments of real impact.
If your team looks like they’re running on fumes, a breakout space might just be the recharger they didn’t know they needed. Understanding the needs of your team is the first step in designing breakout spaces that work.
Incorporate Comfortable and Flexible Furniture
Breakout space furniture should be inviting and versatile enough to suit any mood or purpose. It doesn’t have to be indestructible, but it should handle the occasional coffee spill with grace. Here’s how to get it right:
- Comfortable seating for breakout zones: Sofas, beanbags, and cushioned chairs create a welcoming atmosphere where employees feel at ease.
- Flexible setups for office design: Modular furniture allows spaces to adapt to various uses, from informal meetings to solo work.
- Durable materials for high-traffic areas: Investing in quality ensures the space remains functional and attractive over time.
Comfortable and adaptable furniture encourages employees to make the most of the space and can be a key factor in office redesign projects.
Did you know that nearly 60% of employees say they do their best thinking away from their desks? Breakout spaces provide a mental escape hatch—an opportunity to step away from the grind and recharge in a more relaxed setting. They aren’t just about breaks; they’re about breakthroughs, offering employees a fresh perspective when they need it most. That’s why investing in these spaces is an investment in your team’s creativity, well-being, and productivity.
Create Zones for Different Activities
Breakout spaces are like the hidden gems of office design—offering flexibility, practicality, and a touch of creativity. Picture a vibrant lounge area with modular seating, perfect for brainstorming sessions that spill over into casual chats. Or imagine a quiet nook with soundproofing and cozy chairs where employees can focus on deep work without distractions.
For businesses redesigning their office layouts, breakout spaces like these have become essential, boosting productivity by giving teams tailored environments for relaxation, collaboration, or concentrated tasks.
Add Personal Touches
If breakout spaces are meant to re-energise, they should look the part. Swap beige walls for vibrant artwork or murals that make people pause and smile. Think of it as an office makeover with personality—colours that energise, decor that intrigues, and personal touches from the team to make the space feel uniquely theirs. Businesses redesigning their workspaces increasingly use decor to create breakout areas that boost morale and spark creativity.
Equip the Space with Useful Amenities
A great breakout space is more than comfy chairs and nice lighting—it’s about the extras that make people want to linger. Here are the essentials that turn good into great:
- Technology for modern offices:* Screens, projectors, and charging stations make breakout areas functional for impromptu presentations or quick work sessions.*
- Refreshments for employee well-being: Go beyond the basics with smoothie bars, hydration stations offering infused water, or even automated snack dispensers stocked with healthy, customisable options. These innovative touches can transform a standard break into a moment of rejuvenation and inspiration.
- Recreational features for relaxation: Forget the usual board games. Instead, think VR stations for an immersive break, digital escape rooms for team building, or a wellness pod where employees can de-stress through guided meditation. These innovative touches turn a simple break into an opportunity to refresh both the mind and body.
These additions enhance the space’s utility and make it a hub of activity and relaxation, ensuring breakout spaces are indispensable in any office redesign.
