Employees value their workplace perks. Whether it’s flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, gym memberships, working remotely, or meals or catered food, perks can have a big impact on an employee’s lifestyle quality. Perks also create a positive return on investment for employers. Lisa Oyler, human resources director at Access Development explained, “Perks are about creating a culture and environment where we hope we can find that work-life balance. If employees are happy at work, they’re going to produce more. This leads to higher retention.”
A cost-effective employee perk that is highly valued is the break room. But it isn’t just any type of break room. This break room should support community building, be aesthetically pleasing, let their employees know that employee well-being is important, and offer a variety of healthy and traditional snacks, food, and beverages.
Community
According to a recent survey by Clutch, a B2B research, ratings, and reviews company, “about half (47 percent) of part- or full-time employees value a community atmosphere in the place where they work.” A common way that groups of individuals build a sense of community is to share a meal, and that includes San Diego employees. The office break room provides a location where that can occur.
In order to draw employees into the break room, the space must be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming.
Aesthetics
More than 60 percent of employees surveyed by Clutch want a pleasant, modern, and comfortable workspace. The problem arises when only 47 percent of those employees actually have a space they find agreeable. This discrepancy should be concerning to San Diego employers.
Creating an aesthetically pleasing break room can vary from a few small design changes to a complete overhaul. Features that appeal to most employees include increasing the amount of natural lighting, updating fixtures, incorporating aspects of nature such as plants, wood, or water, and adding new places to socialize or take a nap.
Current and Future Employees
A transformed break room creates a community atmosphere and helps employees connect with each other. It also draws in potential new hires. Break room perks like micro-markets and free vend in inviting spaces help San Diego employers build a stronger relationship with current employees as well as show new hires that their quality of life matters.
Unfortunately, two out of five employers don’t offer any employee perks. Use this knowledge to your advantage — customize your San Diego break room so it meets your employees needs. Whether it’s adding office coffee service or healthy vending machines, or designing a completely new space, First Class Vending can help. For more information, call us at 800-515-8363. We look forward to hearing from you.