Office spaces are changing. Thanks in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic (and the ensuing, rapid rise of flexible and home working), businesses across the world are transforming their workspaces into more versatile, multi-purpose environments.
One of the biggest trends right now is the breakout area – a more relaxed, informal space for employees to meet away from their desk. Adding more of a ‘home-from-home’ feel to the office, breakout areas have an array of benefits, some of which you might not have thought about.
To help you decide whether these informal spaces are right for you and your team, we’ve put together a list of five key benefits you should consider.
1) Wellbeing and productivity
The first and most obvious benefit breakout areas can deliver. The mental health impact of spending too long sitting behind a desk has been widely publicised, and breakout areas can help address this. They provide a welcoming, homely atmosphere which can not only improve your team’s wellbeing but, in turn, boost their productivity – happy employees usually perform better!
2) A flexible working space
Breakout areas don’t have to be used exclusively on lunch breaks or for meetings: some people enjoy floating around the office instead of being confined to their desk, and breakout areas are perfect for those individuals. They give your team more flexibility to work the way that suits them best.
3) Collaboration and creativity
If people feel chained to their desk, they may be less likely to get up and talk to their colleagues. But a breakout area removes that restriction, allowing your employees to host informal meetings whenever they feel like it. With effortless collaboration comes fresh new ideas – ideas that could be your company’s ‘next big thing.’
4) A quiet space
Sometimes, we need to really knuckle down and focus on our work. This can be tough in busy, open-plan offices – particularly when those nearby are talking to customers on the phone or discussing their weekend plans! Breakout areas can give your employees the opportunity to take some time away from their desk, allowing them to focus fully on the task at hand.
5) Physical health
This may not seem like an obvious benefit, but breakout areas can actually help your team’s physical health too. Besides giving them an opportunity to walk around the office and stretch their legs, a breakout area will allow them to change up their seating position and take their eyes off the screen, which can keep the likes of backache and eyestrain at bay.
Speak to our office space planning experts
Like the idea of incorporating a breakout area into your newly refurbished office? The experts at Plann:d are here to help with our office fit-out service. To get started, complete our quick and easy online form today to book your free space plan!
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