Ping-pong tables, beanbag seats, a functioning kitchen, and TV rooms are now common to find in a modern workplace. It would have been hard to find this in any office a decade ago. This rapid shift has been largely influenced by the demand to have an enhanced working life by the modern worker. That is the reason why coworking spaces have not been left behind. For instance, most coworking spaces are redesigning the working areas to include chill-out areas in a bid to attract the modern worker. The question remains, are all these for the workers benefit, or does the workplace also stand to gain? If you are in a tussle whether to include a chill area in your office or not, the points below will have you changing your mind:
1. Talent retention
The modern employee is after job satisfaction. In addition to other amenities, he wants a workplace where he enjoys waking up to. A chill-out area can greatly influence how an employee perceives a workplace. Most employers measure performance by how long an employee stays at his desk, and this is the mindset employees are running from. A chill-out area will tell him that it is okay to take a break. In this era where businesses are in a war for the best talents, workplaces have to match up with the modern employees’ demands if they are to gain a competitive edge in this area. Hiring and training new talents is expensive and that is why retaining talents is critical for any business.
2. Increases productivity
Happy and healthy employees translate to increased productivity. We all know that working for long hours can adversely affect the back and neck, and thus lowering productivity. By allowing employees to take breaks from their desks, you are ensuring that their backs and necks are staying healthy. A few minutes off the screen is also essential in keeping the eyes healthy. In addition, a chill-out area helps the employees change the scenery and catch a break from working on a stressful project. Just being able to relax is enough to relieve stress, refresh the mind and rejuvenate the body. A chill-out area improves creativity, and a stressful project can turn out to be easy after a relaxing break.
3. Enhances teamwork
Good workplace relationships are essential if a business desires to influence teamwork within the workforce. Moreover, there is no better place to cultivate these relationships than a chill-out area in the office. When employees are confined behind a desk, interactions are minimized. At the chill-out, however, the setup encourages communication. Employees are able to switch off from work and engage in conversations that grow their relationships. They get to be free with each other, and the need to help one another in difficult tasks flows naturally in the workplace.
4. Encourages employees participation
Company meetings held in the conference room seem serious and might even limit employee participation. A chill-out area on the other hand provides a relaxing environment away from the stresses of the office. If the managers want to encourage employees to air their views on particular issues or projects, the chill-out area poses a perfect alternative from the conference room. They say that creativity flows when the mind is relaxed, creative solutions are bound to come from employees when the meeting is held at the chill-out area. In addition, everyone feels included as part of the team as participation is not limited.
5. Allows alternative workspace
From non-stop ringing phones to loud conversations and noisy printers, the office can have endless distractions. This can pose a challenge for an employee who needs the quiet to have ideas flowing for a task. A chill-out area in the office provides a perfect workspace that he or she can hibernate to and get work done. The ability to change the scenery and work in a relaxing setup is also a plus because creativity gears will be rolling, and tasks will be completed without much struggle.
How to design a chill area in the office
Now that we have established that a chill area in the office is a necessity, let us discuss some ideas that you can incorporate in the space. You need the chill area to serve the purpose of having employees relax and reenergize for tasks ahead. Ideally, you should ask the employees to put in their suggestions, so that space can bring out their different personalities. However, the following ideas can serve as an inspiration for a start.
1. Include a variety of furniture designs
Being a space to get away from work, the furniture included should not remind them of work. It should include creative furniture options that give the room a relaxed feel. Remember your employees have different personalities and each like to relax differently. Ensure that you have a variety of designs that they can choose from. The room can assume a picnic set up with bean bag seats and wooden picnic tables. Another corner could have a coffee shop design with high stools and a counter. Do not leave out couches, sleep pods or a mattress for those who like low sitting.
2. Incorporate inspiring colors
The colors used should be able to give the mind that ‘switch’ from work mode to a relaxation mode. Play around with colors, mixing different shades for the walls and furniture. Furniture soft furnishings such as pillows and throw pillows should also take different colors and textures. This is the area that employees’ suggestions should greatly play a part. Ask them to bring in wall hangings that inspire them. Let them suggest color themes that bring out their creativity.
3. Have a coffee station
Coffee breaks are common with most workplaces. For most employees, coffee is the inspiration beverage that gets them going through the day. It is important to include a coffee station at the chill area complete with a coffee machine. This will allow employees to brew their own coffee, which will trigger conversations that grow their relationships. Make the station exciting with customized mugs and napkins for each employee, lovely sugar and coffee jars and a vase of fresh flowers.
4. Include a snacks bar
Healthy snacks are a great way to keep hunger pangs that tend to distract employees away. In addition to a coffee station, it is great to have a healthy snack bar as well. Include a variety to choose from such as nuts, apples, bananas, baby carrots, granola and many more. Anything that can provide a refueling at any time of day is a great healthy snack choice. Besides having them refueled, providing snacks is a great way of making your employees happy and productive.
5. A gym is a worthy addition
Not everyone wants coffee and snacks for their break. Some employees, especially those that lead active lives would want a simple workout to relax their minds. Working out works well in relaxing the body and refreshing the mind and can greatly improve one’s productivity. Provide such employees a workout corner with simple workout equipment. You can include free weights, dumbbells, yoga mats, exercise balls and treadmills. If the budget allows, let the gym be in a separate room to avoid others getting hurt.
6. Include a games area
One purpose of a chill area is to have employees socializing in the workplace. One thing that can get them talking is including games in the breakout area. Games are a great way to have fun and re energize. Have a variety of board and card games such as scrabble and jigsaw puzzles. Include video game equipment, a pool table, a foosball table, a basketball hoop or a snooker table. Again, this area should be excluded from the office. Noise in the games room is inevitable with people getting excited of their wins.
7. A quiet room as well
There are a bunch of people who just need a quiet place to relieve stress. They will even get away from the office to find an alternative workplace and get away from loud conversations. Consider having a quiet room for such people. The room doesn’t have to be large, just a small space with soft lighting. The ideal furniture for this room is a couch or reclining chairs. Have some scented candles and yoga mats for the lot that will hibernate to this space for meditation.
8. A library would be great
Some people like getting away with a book and get lost in the author’s world. Books are a great way to relax the eyes after looking at the screen for a long period of time. It also provides a worthy break away from a stressful project. In addition, it helps the mind with creativity and coming up with a new angle to tackle a problem. Provide such employees with a library at the office. Ensure that the space is well lit; natural light is the ideal lighting option here. Have a variety of books in the library that employees can choose from. It is a great idea to include books about your line of work. This way, employees can get enlightened in their work and learn a skill or two while at it.
Conclusion
A chill-out space spells to the employee that his or her wellbeing and happiness is valued. And to the employer, employees’ wellbeing is essential in driving productivity as it reduces laxity and absenteeism. Besides, a chill-out area in the office is among the amenities the modern employee will be looking for in an ideal workspace.
Author Bio: Lena Linetti is an architect based in San Francisco.
