What are advantage of creating a refreshment space in the office? Introducing examples of break space design

A refreshment space is a space set up within the office for employees to relax and change their mood. In recent years, with the diversification of work styles and the emphasis on work-life balance, many companies have been proactive in introducing such spaces as part of creating an office that is easy to work in.

The characteristics of a refreshment space will vary depending on a company's needs and objectives, but generally include the following elements:

• A comfortable space with relaxing furniture and lighting
• A relaxing cafe-like dining area
• An open layout that encourages communication between employees
• A quiet corner for napping or meditation

The important thing is that an office refreshment space is not just a place to take a break. If properly installed and operated, it can be an important space that brings various values to employees and the company.

Now that we have an understanding of what a refreshment space is, let's take a closer look at its specific advantage.

We will explain the benefits that introducing a refreshment space into the office can bring to both companies and employees, focusing on the following four points.

It is said that taking appropriate breaks during work is effective in improving concentration and work efficiency.

For example, if there is a space for naps or meditation in the office, you can eliminate afternoon drowsiness and maintain concentration. In addition, changing your mood in a relaxing atmosphere will reduce fatigue caused by long hours of desk work and make it easier to see your work from a new perspective. This will ultimately lead to improved productivity throughout the organization.

Refreshment spaces designed with an open layout and comfortable space make it easier for natural interaction to occur across departments. Employees can exchange opinions in a relaxed environment, which makes it easier to come up with flexible ideas.

What's more, chance encounters and conversations in the refreshment spaces can sometimes spark new projects or innovative ideas.

A company's proactive approach to improving the working environment leaves a good impression on employees and increases their sense of belonging to the company. Providing a place where employees can relieve stress and change their mood, such as a refreshment space, will also increase employee motivation.

These efforts will ultimately lead to a reduction in employee turnover.

The sophisticatedly designed refreshment space has the effect of appealing to visitors the company's progressive philosophy.

By visually expressing your company's attitude of caring for its employees and its corporate culture that values creativity, you can increase the value of your corporate brand. This will not only strengthen relationships with business partners, but also have an advantage in attracting talented personnel.

In order to make effective use of a refreshment space, the location and environment are important. Here we will introduce the main points to consider when installing a refreshment space.

Choosing the location of the refreshment space will have a big impact on its utilization rate and effectiveness. For example, it is a good idea to keep the following points in mind:

• Is it in a convenient location in the office?
• Will it affect work, meetings, or visitors?
• If possible, sit by a window with a good view and natural light.

A comfortable space is an important factor in enhancing the appeal of a refreshment space. When choosing your interior, pay attention to the following points.

• Selection and arrangement of comfortable furniture (sofas, lounge chairs, etc.)
• Introducing houseplants to create a natural, soothing effect
• Calm lighting that is neither too bright nor too dim
• Use of partitions and sound-absorbing materials to ensure privacy and quiet

By improving the functionality of your refreshment space, you can expect to use it more effectively. We recommend that you consider the following features:

• Network environment (Wi-Fi)
• Drinks and snacks provided
• Multipurpose space design that can be used for meetings, individual work, or any other purpose.

Recently, an increasing number of companies are introducing office cafes as part of their refreshment space. Creating a cafe-like atmosphere will increase utilization rates and promote interaction between employees.

Simply introducing a refreshment space into an office will not be enough to achieve its full effect. It is important that many employees actively use it.

Here we will introduce the key points for operating a refreshment space and tips for using it to improve employee productivity and stimulate communication.

Setting rules for using the refreshment space will ensure that all employees can use it fairly and effectively. When implementing the system, be sure to clarify the following items:

• Setting usage time
• Eating and drinking permitted
• Reservation required?
• Cleaning duties and etiquette for hygienic operation

To encourage employees to make positive use of the refreshment space, it is a good idea to implement the following measures:

• Holding regular events (e.g. coffee break every Wednesday)
• Case studies on company newsletters and intranet portals
• Leading use by management

In order to effectively utilize the refreshment space, it is important to share awareness among all employees about its necessity and effectiveness and to foster a culture of appropriate use. Make it clear that the space is not just a place to have lunch, but a place to take a break from work and promote creative thinking.

Specifically, it would be a good idea to implement the following initiatives:

[Examples of initiatives to foster a culture of refreshment]

Monitor usage and make continuous improvements while incorporating employee feedback. It is important to regularly conduct usage surveys, employee questionnaires, consider and implement improvement plans, and refine the concept, layout, and operating rules of the refreshment space.

Different companies have come up with various ideas for their office refreshment spaces. Here we will introduce three examples of refreshment space installations from companies that ITOKI has supported.

As we have seen, refreshment spaces have many advantage, such as improving employee productivity and stimulating communication. However, effective implementation and operation require specialized knowledge and extensive experience.

As professionals in creating office environments, ITOKI has supported the introduction of numerous refreshment spaces. We offer total solutions, including optimal space design tailored to your company's needs and objectives, easy-to-use furniture selection, and effective operation methods.

If you are thinking about installing a refreshment space, please contact ITOKI. We will work together to create your ideal office space!

リフレッシュスペースの導入についてさらに詳しく知りたいという方には、過去に開催されたセミナーのアーカイブ動画を公開中です。このセミナーでは、

• コミュニケーションが湧き上がるリフレッシュエリアとは
• リフレッシュエリアのバリエーション
• 効果を高める空間構築のポイント

について、イトーキの現役デザイナーが、実際にイトーキのオフィスに導入されている事例をもとにくわしく解説しています。ぜひ、貴社のオフィスづくりの参考にしていただけますと幸いです！