Kitchen facilities have become an integral part of workplaces, providing a hygienic and clean area to prepare beverages and food as well as serving as a room where employees can talk and socialize. Even if integrating a kitchen in the office may not be the first idea employers think about, incorporating a kitchen in the office can increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Plus, an office kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and take a break from the screens, and surely having one will make employees feel valued.
In this article, we will highlight why kitchens have become a beneficial facility in the workplace and the best tips to keep in mind if you want to design one. Keep reading to find out more.
What are the advantages of office kitchens?
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Provide a break from screens
Maybe the best benefit of an office kitchen is that it offers an employee the chance to take a break from the screens. You probably know that when you are at work, you focus on your tasks and often forget to take a much-needed break. The 20-20-20 rules emphasize the importance of frequent breaks, highlighting that every 20 minutes you look at the screen, you should spend 20 seconds looking at an object or landscape located 20 feet away to diminish the strain on your eyes. Luckily, the office kitchen will offer workers a chance to relax their eyes, as they can go and take a glass of water, and in this way, they will also take the essential break from screens.
Offers a space to relax
Besides having some moments to ease the strain of your eyes, it will also be a good idea to take a few moments to relax. However, with the huge amount of tasks that never seem to end, we often forget to rest every now and then, which is not very helpful, as it can make us tired and reduce productivity. Instead, taking breaks is sometimes essential, as, in this way, you can explore your thoughts and even find solutions to problems that seem unsolvable.
The office kitchen is a social space
The office kitchen can also be a place that builds a strong workplace culture, as in this room, the teams can strengthen their relationships and socialize. In many cases, the kitchen is the heart of a room, and the one from the office can also have this feature. Having a place to get to know your colleagues better can help people feel valued and reinforce the feeling of belonging.
Promotes healthy eating
Additionally, an office kitchen can help employees eat and drink well, as having a place for lunch will limit the trips to the coffee or fast-food shops. Furthermore, workers who have a designated area where they can microwave their food will take their time to prepare something healthy at home.
How can you integrate an office kitchen?
Opt for the right kitchen units and appliances
Luckily, an office kitchen will not need that much preparation, at least for the start, as with some cheap kitchen units and suitable appliances, the employees will be able to enjoy their lunch in a designated area. But of course, employers should always consider the needs of employees before starting to design a kitchen.
Additionally, the units and appliances must be convenient for employees, so it will be a good idea to place them in accessible parts to reduce the chances of standing in line. This factor will also optimize the space, as surely no one wants to wait in crowded areas to be finally able to eat.
Choose the right seating
The office kitchen will become a communal environment for employees, where they can eat, sit, relax and enjoy time with colleagues. This is why the kitchen needs high-quality furniture and seating, as this will encourage employee communication. Numerous alternatives on the market, including ergonomic seating, can boost employees’ well-being and health. This happens because this type of seating reduces discomfort and fatigue, and the people will stay comfortable, as this furniture piece supports the spine’s natural shape.
Consider easy-care surfaces
As various people will use the office kitchen, it will be a good idea to consider easy-care surfaces, as they will be easy to maintain and clean. Additionally, avoiding drawer pulls and recessed handles will be a good idea, as they are more challenging to take care of.
Ensure there are enough utensils and tableware
When integrating an office kitchen, it is also important to remember to provide enough utensils and tableware for each employee. So, anyone who uses the kitchen should have enough forks, knives, and spoons, and it will be good to have some extra items for office parties and birthdays.
Match the interior design of the workplace
The office kitchen should also match the design of the workplace and have elements that complement all the other pieces from the office, such as wallpaper, countertops, paint or kitchen furniture. Matching the kitchen with the office creates a professional image and provides the right work environment for anyone.
Conclusion
Investing in an office kitchen will always be a good idea, as it offers some important benefits that can’t be overlooked. For example, the office kitchen is where employees can take a break and relax for a little during their busy workdays. However, the office kitchen is more than this; it can also be used as a social room, where employees socialize, and as a space where employees hold birthdays.
Plus, with plenty of kitchen unit alternatives on the market, creating a room where employees enjoy spending time is easier than ever.