Office design is full of different twists and turns. You think you know exactly what it takes to create a high quality office, but when you start to look into different office furniture and the elements that actually create a productive and comfortable office, you see that there is far more to it.
Many people focus on the office chairs, the colour of the walls and where the furniture is placed, but what about the additional elements which could take your office to the next level?
One of those is a breakout space.
What is a Breakout Space?
A breakout space is an area separate to your main contemporary office which allows employees to go either for a quick time out, their regular break time, or acts as somewhere to head when employees need to collaborate on a particular subject.
If you have a large open plan office, your breakout space could be situated to one side, at the back, or outside of the office itself. You can separate the area with office dividers, screens, or you can simply place it far enough away from the office desks to not cause any noise for those who are concentrating and working hard.
A breakout space is important on many different levels. We all know that breaks are important but sometimes it’s just not possible to head outside for a walk; maybe it’s teeming it down with rain or it’s snowing! Perhaps you simply need to get away from your chair for a few minutes because you feel stressed and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed. Simply sitting down in a separate space with a cup of coffee or a drink of water for five minutes could be all you need to return to your desk and have a productive rest of the day.
If you have an agile workspace, you will probably already have a breakout space in situ. If you don’t, it’s time to consider this flexible and very advantageous area.
How Should You Design Your Breakout Space?
Obviously, you need the space to fit in with your brand identity, to avoid confusing anyone who walks into your space. However, your breakout space should be decorated in a slightly different way to the rest of your office. This is a space which is multi-functional; not only is it for rest and relaxation but it’s also for collaboration and creativity. With that in mind, look towards comfortable chairs and perhaps even beanbags or bean cubes. There are many choices of breakout furniture, you simply need to design an area which fits the bill.
It’s a great idea to talk to your employees and ask what they would like to see. They are going to be using this space on a regular basis so they will have opinions which could enhance the use of it and help to create a more productive and happier office in general.
Of course, when you ask for opinions you have to take them on board wherever possible. Don’t just dismiss an idea if you think it might work. Involving your employees in the decision-making process of designing a touchdown area could help to boost morale too because it shows that you value their thoughts and ideas.
Most breakout spaces are colourful and innovative. They look towards comfort rather than sleekness, but they should also have a professional and tidy manner about them. Your breakout space is still a part of your office and people who come into your space will use this area to form their first impressions of you. As with any element of office design, it has to be high quality and it has to be clean and tidy at all times.