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Breaks are an essential part of employee productivity, and research suggests that taking a lunch break helps employees “destress and recharge for the rest of the workday”.
But because many employees fear that their bosses might think they’re slacking off during lunchtime, it’s often difficult to get them to take a break and switch off for a while.
Enter the break room!
By creating a comfortable space for employees to unwind, not only do you encourage them to take breaks, but you also improve employee engagement and overall job satisfaction in the process.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to install sleeping pods and start offering catered food to employees like Google does!
But you can — and should — jazz up your office break room and make it a happy place for them. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of all the essentials!
1. Samsung 32-Inch LED Smart FHD TV
In today’s day and age, a television won’t break the bank, and it can draw more employees to the break room. This smart TV from Samsung can also be used for presentations and training sessions by connecting your smartphone or laptop to the screen.
2. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ by De’Longhi with Aeroccino
It’s a given fact that most of the working world needs gallons of coffee to get through the day, and most workers value free coffee more than any other perk the company might offer. This Nespresso machine comes with the Aeroccino milk frothier will show employees that you’re willing to invest in them, and you’ll accumulate a large return as a result.
3. The Only Bean Healthy Snacks
While providing cooked meals isn’t essential, a good way to invest in your employees’ wellbeing is through a supply of healthy snacks. This assortment of roasted edamame beans is high protein, vegan and gluten-free, and therefore suitable for most dietary preferences.
4. Harry Potter Paperback Box Set
By adding a few classics into your breakroom library, you can cater to everyone’s needs. Create a quiet zone with a bookshelf and stack books — including all seven novels from the Harry Potter series — that can be read during lunchtime. Rest assured: the bookworms in your company will love it!
5. Orighty Cleaning Cloths Pack of 24
Accidents are bound to happen — especially when someone’s only just pouring their first cup of coffee for the day. So, ensure your break room is stocked with some basic cleaning supplies, such as these super-absorbent microfiber cloths. They’ll come in handy!
6. Sofa Sack Memory Foam Beanless Bag Chair
The key to a good break room is comfort. And these comfy memory foam chairs are a great addition to a chill area in your break room and will ensure that more people are spending time away from their desk and in a different environment.
7. Coca-Cola Exclusive Retro Mini Fridge Vending Machine
While a vending machine isn’t essential, it’s a good contribution for a larger organization. All you have to do is stock it with your employees’ favorite drinks. Plus, it will give your break room a groovier look!
8. Ecovita 100% Bamboo Cutlery Combo Set
Shared cutlery can be disastrous in an office — people don’t wash them properly, they go missing, and there is never enough for everyone! To solve any problems, invest in these eco-friendly disposable knives, forks and spoons that can be thrown away after one use.
9. Brio Bottom Loading Water Cooler Dispenser
If you expect people to eat and drink in the break room and not at their desks, then a water dispenser is essential. This particular model allows for hot, cold and cool water use, and it has an interchangeable bottle feature.
10. Best Choice Products 6-Piece Modern Dining Set
This casual dining table is a great addition to the break room furniture and is designed in such a way that it allows sitters to interact with each other while they eat their lunch.
11. SereneLife Multi Game Table
If you want to take it up a notch, you can invest in this all-in-one arcade game table, which will allow employees to engage in an activity that doesn’t stress them out and instead helps them unwind.
12. VAMSLOVE Chess Set
Another game to promote bonding among employees is chess. Although it’s a two-player game, you can set up challenges and tournaments to get more people involved.
13. VIZ-PRO Cork Notice Board
A cork notice board can be useful in any break room. People can add bulletins for car sharing, items they’re selling, or social clubs that they’re forming, creating a space for employees to interact together.
14. Pyradecor Set of 4 Banksy Graffiti Girl with Red Balloon Canvas Panels
Staring at the same blank walls that surround your desk can be boring and demotivating. Turn the break room into a safe space by adding some interesting art and color. This Banksy print is both inspirational and interesting to look at.
15. SMUG Recliner Massage Chair
If you want to spoil your employees, consider buying this professional full-body massage chair. Just five minutes a day can relieve tension and untangle any muscles that have become stiff from sitting at a desk all day!
16. Mind Reader Breakroom Coffee Condiment Organizer
You can’t have a coffee machine without the condiments, can you? Ensure all the essentials are kept organized with this neat condiment stand, which features separate compartments for spoons, sugar and cream.
17. GoSports Mid-Size Table Tennis Game Set
A ping pong table is also a great way to keep employee motivation up. Let’s say they’ve endured a stressful meeting; they can pop into the break room and have a quick round of ping pong to destress and clear their head. They’ll then be able to return to work with a better mindset than before.
18. Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven
A clean microwave is the most essential part of any break room. If you don’t supply hot food, you’ll need to provide workers with a place to heat their lunch that they’ve brought from home.
19. Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven
What’s better than a normal toaster? A toaster that doubles as an oven! This handy appliance can heat up pizza perfectly or make a hot cheesy sandwich in the oven.
20. Latent Epicure Battery Operated Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
Certain condiments and spices are a great addition to any break room. These fancy salt and pepper grinders can be left on the dining table, ready for anyone to use
21. Decopom Cork Coasters with Round Edge
While coasters aren’t necessary, they do add a homely feel to the break room, and they save tables from getting ruined. Depending on the vibe that you’re going for, these neutral cork coasters can be a great addition.
22. Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Whether you’re hosting celebratory drinks or a team-building exercise in the break room, background music is always a nice touch. The Marshal Bluetooth speaker is a perfect choice, as it’s easy to use and high quality.
23. Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets
As we spend so much time in the office, we usually end up suffering from a number of symptoms throughout the year (from headaches to bellyaches and backaches). Keeping a box of painkillers in the break room can be useful and will help employees overcome all those aches and pains.
24. Get The Games Out Top Backgammon Set
A backgammon set can help bring employees together through a little healthy competition. Like the chess set, you can arrange tournaments and teams to make lunch breaks a little more exciting.
25. Opps Mini Artificial Plants
Plants add a pop of color to any environment, and these cute artificial plants are great for any break room. They come with inspirational quotes, and they’ll never wear old.
26. Makerstep 1000 Birch Wood Coffee Stirrers
If your break room is separate to your kitchen (and therefore lacking a sink and spoons), consider getting some wooden coffee stirrers for your team members’ beverages. They’ll be much appreciated!
27. Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Dinnerware Set
This Amazon Basics set features 18 pieces of dinnerware made from AB-grade porcelain. Lightweight yet durable, these can make life easier, as eating out of Tupperware can sometimes be inconvenient — not to mention messy!
28. Paper Towel Dispenser Wall Mount
Every break room is prone to water, coffee and tea spillages, and therefore paper towels can’t be missing from your supplies. To save precious space across your surfaces, install a paper towel wall dispenser; the top can double as a handy little shelf, too!
29. Sugus Fruity Candy Mix
Every break room needs a little treat for its visitors! These classic, beloved candies have been around for nearly a century, and are available in a range of flavors that can sweeten anyone’s morning or afternoon.
30. Bigelow Tea Assortment
Even if the majority of your employees are devout coffee drinkers, there is still bound to be someone on the team that prefers tea; or someone who is looking to limit their caffeine intake, at least during the second half of the day!
Final thoughts
There we have it: a near-complete checklist of must-have break room supplies (because let’s be honest, the list could be virtually endless with so many cool gadgets, tools and tidbits to be discovered online).
As we’ve seen, keeping a well-stocked break room doesn’t have to be expensive, either. There are many budget-friendly ways of showing your employees appreciation, and keeping them entertained and energized for a productive day ahead.
Which of these recommendations would you like to see in your office break room? Let us know in the comments section below.
This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published on October 8, 2015, and contains contributions by Electra Michaelidou.