Peek into a newly constructed or recently renovated office space, and you’ll notice an obvious departure from those of the past. Work trends have been steadily changing for years now. Technology has completely transformed the face of the modern workplace. It’s not just about the rise of telecommuting and flexible scheduling. Personal work-spaces are getting smaller, because the technology we’re using is smaller. With employees spending more time away from their workstations, employers are focusing more of their building and renovation budget on communal work-spaces, like the kitchen.
In the past, office kitchens were kept out of sight. They were something of an afterthought, filled with cast-offs and mismatched furniture, and felt like they were purposely made to feel uncomfortable to ensure employees wouldn’t linger. But research now shows people are happiest at work when they like their office space, and that has made a big difference in the way office spaces are being designed, and common space square footage is allocated and decorated.
The trend of making work kitchens more inviting is about 5 years old. The new focus is now on creating spaces that bring people together … spaces that promote intraoffice interactions, get them excited about new projects and make them feel like the company is giving something back to them.
The new model office kitchen can encompass many different components – some are regularly stocked with healthy snacks, while others offer catered meals and great coffee. While those perks might be cost prohibitive for some employers, the idea is to make it feel welcoming.
Here are some tips for an employee-friendly kitchen …
Make it colorful, hang some artwork, and add fun accessories that promote impromptu brainstorming sessions.
Multiple small tables are great, if you have the space. But a long table with multiple chairs works just as well. Both options change the dynamic of the room and allow for conversation away from everyone’s desks.
If collaboration seems like one of the new “it” words in the workplace, it’s because it is. People are spending more time at the office working on multiple projects and interacting with different departments. If offering a few more amenities is going to make them feel appreciated, then why not?!
I’d love to take a look at your office break-room or kitchen. Let’s see how it can become a more fun and functional space for your team.