Small Office Break Room Ideas, Examples & Tips

A break room is more than just a space for employees to eat lunch. It is an integral part of the office environment.

The break room provides space for relaxation, informal interactions, and a mental reset from the workday pressures. That is why a well-designed office break room is essential. It should be a staff lunchroom, employee lounge, etc. But what about small offices?

Due to space limitations, they face the challenge of designing a functional and inviting break room. However, with smart design and thoughtful implementation, even the smallest spaces can be transformed into welcoming and efficient areas. So, let’s learn!

Part: 1 Design & Layout

In small office break rooms, every inch counts. So, design the area carefully to get the most out of it.

1. Space-Efficient Furniture

First, to design the area, use furniture that serves multiple purposes, like tables with built-in storage or foldable options that can be stowed away when not needed. Wall-mounted shelves and hanging organizers can make use of vertical space. It will free up the floor for more essential items.

2. Kitchen Area

Your office kitchen is like a friendly meeting spot where coworkers hang out. It’s where they grab coffee, snacks, and have quick talks that foster team bonding. A coffee machine and snack bar can still make it pleasant, even with limited space or budget.

3. Nap Corner

Sometimes, employees need a quiet space to unwind and recharge during their breaks. You can create a designated nap corner in the office break room.

To make the area more comfortable, add soft blankets and cozy pillows. These simple touches create a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Noise-canceling headphones are essential to block distractions and ensure a peaceful nap environment.

4. Seating Solutions

1. Choose chairs that can be folded or stacked for easy relocation or storage.

2. Benches offer dual-purpose seating while also serving as storage space.

3. Additionally, ottomans with hidden compartments or hollow interiors can serve multi-functional purposes.

Pro Tip: Switch up the decorations occasionally to keep the area exciting and enjoyable.

5. Bulletin board

A bulletin board in the break room is an excellent way for team members to communicate asynchronously. It can showcase company updates, employee achievements, and fun content like memes. Hang it in a visible spot, choose a theme, and encourage contributions from everyone to keep the space engaging and interactive.

6. Optimized Layouts

Implement a U-shaped or L-shaped layout to optimize the available space and facilitate easier movement. Keep the central area open to prevent the room from feeling cramped.

Part: 2 Bonding & Interactions

This section explores some activities and initiatives that foster strong connections and teamwork among coworkers.

1. Video games

Video games are a favorite addition to our list of break room ideas. There is a variety of options available.

2. Community Puzzle

Another way to enhance employee interaction is to set up a community puzzle in the break room. It is a simple and enjoyable idea that everyone can get behind. Encourage staff to add one or two pieces whenever they take a break. This activity will also create a sense of camaraderie as they work together to complete the puzzle.

3. Doodle board

Doodling isn’t just about art—it’s also a form of self-expression. The lines and patterns drawn can reflect different emotions or thought patterns. This lets employees discover more about themselves. Research even suggests that doodling can stimulate new ideas and reduce anxiety by promoting a focus on the present moment.

Just set up a large whiteboard or hang several smaller ones. Make sure there are plenty of dry-erase markers available. Then, you can share prompts for doodling, like Create a new superhero, etc.

Tip: Take pictures of the most creative doodles to keep them for the future before they get erased or drawn over.

4. Fridge magnets

This simple idea can spark conversations among employees who don’t usually work together closely. If there’s not enough room in the fridge, paint a part of a wall with magnetic paint so your team can get creative there. Here are some magnet ideas to try:

1. Emoji magnets: Use these to show how you’re feeling on the fridge.

2. Employee name magnets: Create magnets with each employee’s name to facilitate better camaraderie and help everyone remember each other.

5. DIY Photo booth

A DIY photo booth in the break room is a fantastic way to encourage employees to capture and cherish memories at work. It not only adds a fun element to the break room but also promotes team bonding and interaction.

To set up the booth, find a corner, put a bench or chair in it, and hang up a fun backdrop. Then, put a camera nearby for easy use. Your team will love taking silly pictures and putting them up around the break room.

Part: 3 Events

Events at work are like fun get-togethers for everyone. Here are a few ideas to make them even better:

Breakroom fundraiser

A breakroom fundraiser is an event or initiative held in the office breakroom to raise money for a cause or organization. It’s a great way for coworkers to unite, contribute, and support a meaningful cause.

To organize a breakroom fundraiser, you can:

1. Host a bake sale where employees can bring homemade treats to sell during break times.

2. Set up a donation box where coworkers can contribute spare change or donations for a specific cause.

3. Organize a raffle with donated prizes from local businesses or coworkers.

Exchange Station

An exchange station is like a mini market where coworkers can trade things they no longer need. You can exchange clothes, decorations, tools, toys, and even snacks.

To set up the Exchange Station, choose a table where employees can store items they no longer need or want. Anyone can participate by providing, browsing, or borrowing items from the station.

To keep things organized, it’s essential to establish a rule that items cannot remain at the station for more than a week.

Cleaning Tasks

Cleaning up the break room can sometimes cause friction between coworkers. Instead of causing tension, why not turn it into a fun game?

You can make a list of cleaning chores and how often they should be done. Then, assign points to each task or give out raffle tickets for each one completed. At the end of the month, reward the person with the most points or raffle tickets with a prize.

Team Lunches

Team lunches are another excellent way for coworkers to bond and relax over a meal. To organize team lunches, you can:

1. Schedule regular lunch outings to nearby restaurants or cafes where everyone can gather and enjoy a meal together.

2. Plan potluck lunches where each team member brings a dish to share.

3. Rotate responsibility for organizing lunches to ensure everyone gets involved and has a chance to contribute.

4. Order catering or delivery for the team to enjoy in the office break room or outdoor area.

Part: 4 How Smart Remodeling LLC Could Help you?

Smart Remodeling LLC is here to help you create the perfect break room for your employees. Our experienced planning and design team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your satisfaction. With over 14+ years of experience, our certified team will bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to get started on transforming your break room into an organized and inviting space for your team.

Part: 5 So There You Have It

A small office break room doesn’t constrain employees from enjoying their free time if it is well-designed. A well-planned office break room can boost employee morale and productivity even with limited space. Laying out the optimized design and adding fun activities and events to the space will enhance the overall work environment. Remember, a break room is a crucial investment in your team’s happiness and productivity, making it worth every effort.