The office environment is built for work. Everything from the layout of the desks to the comfort of the office furniture should be optimised for maximum productivity. That means that employees should be provided with the office technology required for their job, ergonomic furniture to improve their health and all the office facilities they need to relax fully during breaks. The office break room is an important part of this setup. In the UK, there are legislative requirements for companies to have a separate area for staff to use during breaks, but that shouldn’t be the only reason to ensure that your break room is up to scratch. In this article, Staples Advantage examines corporate break room facilities and how you can improve yours.

Let’s start with the bare minimum. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, employers must provide employees with adequate welfare facilities, ‘so far as is reasonably practicable.’ These office facilities include toilets, kitchen facilities and a place to eat and drink during breaks – the break room. Employers must provide a suitable seating area for use during breaks. The break room area must be clean, and must be located in a safe area where food will not become contaminated. In addition, washing facilities should be located nearby. There should also be easy access to appliances that can heat food or water – i.e. a microwave and a kettle.

Employees expect a break room and kitchen area to contain a number of essentials, including:
● Cutlery (enough sets to go around).
● Crockery (mugs, plates, bowls etc.).
● Paper towels.
● Bin liners.
● Soap or hand wash.
● Washing-up liquid.
● All–purpose cleaning product for surfaces, sink, and tables.

Employers should endeavour to have all of these items available for use in the break room and kitchen areas.

Equipping your break room with the above items may well keep your employees satisfied, but there are a number of inexpensive non-essentials that you may also wish to consider adding to your break room to keep your workforce happy. Buying the tea and coffee for your staff to enjoy is a safe way of avoiding any conflicts over whose turn it is to buy the tea. Similarly, consider stocking other consumable items such as milk, sugar, sweeteners and salt. Again, this will prevent arguments between staff over the use of these items, and will show employees that you trust them to use your resources fairly and responsibly. Purchasing the occasional packet of biscuits or chocolates for the office break room is also likely to raise office morale.

Turning to your local supermarket to buy a stock of products is not always the best option because, it is likely that Staples Advantage will be able to provide you with cheaper alternatives.  We’re able to add your break room supplies and office facilities to your regular Staples Advantage order, cutting delivery costs and saving you time.  Contact us to find out more.

August 14th 2014 | Back to Industry Insights