Take a Break Together

The 1980s breakroom had the ambiance of a bat cave. Considering the layout of the room, the color of the paint, the type of seating, and the amenities offered, breakrooms screamed utility over comfort or style.

And still for many employees at that time, the breakroom was a place to escape the grind. It was a change of scenery from everything that was happening at the desk, and an opportunity to connect briefly with peers.

With the redefinition of work where jobs are remote and work is hybrid, employees may not be in the office at all, or perhaps for limited hours in a day where peer-to-peer connections are the full focus of being in person. Redefined work means redefined breaks.

READ: Office Space Timeline

And when the office is fully occupied, designers suggest activity-based spaces where different types of work can be accomplished more effectively. When the work itself is flexible and mobile, the need to escape from a desk is perhaps diminished. When peer-to-peer connections are encouraged throughout the workspace, there may be less of a need for a designated breakroom, but instead a need for breakroom amenities to be scattered across the office in appropriate and guest-friendly locations.

The breakroom has evolved with the changing nature of work and workspace. Most recently, the growth in tech and expansion of large tech companies took off in the early part of this century, where we saw co-working or the collaboration of independent workers grow more common. Then the pandemic opened the door to remote work in a way that had not seemed possible in the past. And now employers are finding ways to lure employees back in to the office. Over these past two decades, office design has taken a leap in a friendlier and healthier direction.

And so while we see more people returning to work in 2024, the environment has shifted and the spaces have adapted. What worked in the 80s is no longer good enough. The breakroom of decades ago was satisfactory as long as it had a vending machine, plenty of plastic cups and a roll of paper towels. Now in 2024, employers seek creative and more diverse means for employees to take breaks.

What has not changed? The need for breakroom supplies. Whether it is an outdoor garden or cafe, a game room, or a lavish coffee bar, it is still important to maintain that full supply of cups and paper towels.

Just be sure to not to run completely out of ping pong balls.