A staff breakout area is one of the most important spaces in every office. What’s more, creating a welcoming breakout area in your Sydney office can dramatically improve employee satisfaction and productivity. It’s a space where staff can take a breather, recharge, and even brainstorm in a relaxed setting.
At Niche Projects, we design, build, and refurbish break areas for businesses in all kinds of industries. All of our design work is backed by studies and we know exactly how to design and build a breakout area that prioritises employee wellbeing. In this article, we’ll take a look at how we can recreate your staff breakout area for the benefit of your people and your business!
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What is a breakout room in an office?
A breakout room is often known as a collaboration room or huddle space. It’s a designated area within an office where employees can meet and gather, collaborate, and brainstorm. These spaces usually have comfy seating, tables, and sometimes audiovisual equipment. Unlike usual meeting rooms, breakout rooms are designed to create a more relaxed and creative atmosphere, ideal for more flexible work.
Why are breakout areas important?
Creating breakout spaces that really work for your employees is essential for a number of reasons. Well-designed spaces that your employees enjoy spending time in come with a range of really significant benefits, that make a refurbishment an extremely savvy investment.
Boost employee morale
Breakout areas show that a company values its employees’ need for downtime, as well as space for flexible and creative working. A thoughtfully designed space where they can recharge demonstrates a commitment to their well-being, leading to increased morale and job satisfaction.
Encourage creativity and collaboration
Sometimes, the best ideas don’t come while sitting at a desk. Breakout rooms offer a different environment that can help employees think outside the box. These more casual spaces also encourage a more organic form of collaboration, allowing teams to bounce ideas off one another in a more relaxed setting.
Enhance productivity
Taking regular breaks in a comfortable space can actually boost productivity for your employees. Short breaks in breakout areas help prevent burnout, allowing employees to return to their tasks refreshed and focused. Depending on the elements within your breakout areas, they may also find that creativity is sparked, resulting in dynamic thinking and better results!
Attract talent
In today’s competitive job market and economy, offering modern, well-designed office spaces can be a huge draw for top talent. Having a stylish and functional breakout area is a perk that can help attract and retain employees. And every business should be taking every opportunity to attract the very best employees.
How to design a great breakout area?
Designing a breakout area that is both functional and inspires creativity requires expertise and a good measure of experience. At Niche Projects, our design team has extensive experience in designing and building offices and breakout areas in Sydney.
Assessing the breakout area
If you don’t have a breakout space, creating one from scratch can greatly improve employee satisfaction and productivity. Start by identifying an area in the office that can be repurposed for this use. Even a small section of an open office can be transformed with the right furniture and design elements.
The key is to choose a space that’s away from high-traffic areas and noise, providing employees with a quiet place to relax, recharge, or have informal meetings.
If you already have a breakout space, start by assessing its functionality. Is it being used regularly, or do employees avoid it? Is there enough room for people to relax, or does it feel cramped and uncomfortable? Take a look at the furniture and layout — is everything still in good shape, or does the area feel outdated?
Collecting feedback from employees is key to understanding what works and what doesn’t. They are the ones using the space, so their insights can help guide the redesign process. Consider setting up a survey or holding an informal meeting to get their thoughts on the current setup and what improvements they’d like to see.
Adding design elements
Once you’ve assessed your space, it’s time to think about the design elements. Here are some ideas to enhance the breakout area:
- Comfortable seating: Think sofas, bean bags, or armchairs — the more comfortable, the better. Ensure a variety of seating options to cater to different preferences.
- Colour and lighting: Bright, uplifting colours and natural light can help create an inviting atmosphere. If natural light is limited, consider adding warm, ambient lighting to keep the area bright without feeling harsh.
- Entertainment and relaxation features: If space allows, think about adding some entertainment options like a pool table, TV, or a bookshelf stocked with interesting reads. For companies with a wellness focus, meditation corners or yoga mats could be a nice touch.
- Greenery: Plants can make a space feel more serene and inviting. They also improve air quality and provide a subtle connection to nature, which can reduce stress.
- Functional amenities: Incorporating practical features like charging stations, a coffee machine, or a small kitchenette can make the space even more useful.
Speak to our office design team today
Looking for office design or refurbishment in Sydney? At Niche Projects, we’re always ready to assist. We’ve designed, built, and renovated offices of all sizes across Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs. If you require new breakout areas, or want to have existing spaces renovated, we can help.
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FAQs about office breakout areas
How much space do I need for a breakout area?
The amount of space you need for a breakout area will depend on the size of your team and the intended use of the space. A small team may be able to get by with a cosy nook, while a larger team may require a more spacious room.
What’s the best seating arrangement for a breakout area?
The best seating arrangement for a breakout area will depend on your team’s preferences and the type of activities that will be taking place. A U-shaped arrangement is a popular choice for meetings and presentations, while a more informal arrangement with couches and armchairs is ideal for casual gatherings.
How often should breakout areas be updated?
Breakout areas should be updated periodically to keep them fresh and inviting. Consider making changes every few years to reflect changes in your company’s culture or the preferences of your employees.
How do I personalise my breakout area?
Involve employees by letting them contribute ideas or personal items like plants, which can also add a calming, nature-inspired touch. Create distinct zones for different activities, such as quiet corners or social lounges, and use lighting to set the right mood.
