Why an office breakout area is essential for your business

Of all the perks you can offer to make the workday easier for employees, an office breakout area has to be one of the best. A breakout space can help everyone stay energised and creative throughout the day.

People often decry the invention of the open-plan office with its interruptions and noise. Breakout spaces give you the best of both worlds by providing a quiet area away from the hubbub of the office. You can take time out or work in peace.

Increasingly employees expect companies to look after their wellbeing. An attractive breakout area helps lower stress levels. It can also help you attract and retain the best talent.

What is an office breakout area?

A staff breakout area is a section of the office that's separate from the usual working area. It will generally have a more comfortable, casual feel than the rest of the workspace. Furnishings are usually soft and inviting - think colourful, comfy sofas, modular cubes to sit on and a few cushions scattered around.

Breakout areas don't have to take up a separate room. You can also create them in an existing office area, perhaps with acoustic screens. It's best to situate the breakout space in an area with plenty of natural light.

Maybe you associate this type of space with creative companies or tech startups. The truth is that any workplace can benefit from having a breakout space.

What are office breakout areas used for?

Breakout areas are an informal part of the office where employees can relax, catch up with each other, eat lunch and get away from their screens. They're also great for informal meetings. Outside of lunchtimes, they can also be a quiet space for employees to work. You can incorporate pods and booths into the office breakout area for focused work, calls, and meetings. In smaller offices, breakout spaces may also double as a reception area where visitors can wait to be seen.

office scene showing different types of seating

What are the benefits of an office breakout area?

Breakout spaces in offices help employees relax and socialise with each other. This is great for building workplace relationships across different teams. Collaborating in an office breakout space is much easier than at individual desks.

With hybrid working now the norm, breakout areas in offices provide a place to catch up with colleagues we may only see occasionally.
Having a change of scenery and a place to switch off helps with productivity and creativity. A more informal space feels less restrictive, which can help with creative thinking. It helps employees feel more refreshed and motivated.
Health and safety rules stipulate regular screen breaks. An office breakout room will help employees take time away from their screens.
A good breakout space design will look attractive and make a good impression on office visitors, including potential recruits and clients.
An area away from the hustle and noise of the main workspace can be an excellent place to do focused work. It'll be easier to think without background noise and interruptions.
Nowadays, employees expect companies to look after their wellbeing; providing a breakout space to destress is a great way to do this.

Essential breakout furniture

1. Sofas and armchairs

Soft furnishings such as sofas create a welcoming space that helps employees relax. They're perfect if you want to catch up with colleagues, make a quick phone call, or have an informal meeting.

High-back chairs and sofas create privacy and block out noise. These make excellent breakout area seating. They're perfect for laptop working, informal meetings or private conversations.

2. Tables

A mix of different table styles works well in an office breakout area. These can be coffee tables, cafe-style tables, or canteen-type tables with stools or benches. These provide an excellent location to eat lunch and take some time out. They're also great for impromptu meetings, a space for mobile workers to set up with a laptop, or simply a place to catch up with colleagues.

3. Modular furniture

Modular seating units such as padded cubes or pouffes allow staff to rearrange furniture for an informal meeting or training. Smaller modular furniture is great for fitting into awkward spaces.

4. Acoustic Booths

Acoustic booths provide a space for focused work, phone calls or meetings. Koplus construct booths with soundproofing materials to mitigate noise. They're a great feature in open-plan offices as they provide quiet space to do focused work. You can also make calls without disturbing colleagues

So that they don't get stuffy while you're working, airflow vents provide constant natural air circulation. In addition, you can adjust light levels to suit your preferences with adjustable LED lighting. Features can also include automatic motion detectors and charging ports

Acoustic booths are available in a range of sizes. From smaller spaces to make a private call to expandable booths that accommodate up to eight people for a meeting. They are a great way to make the most of space in smaller office environments.

A few homely touches can make a breakout room even more welcoming. These can include plants, a coffee machine or a tea point. Maybe a vending machine so employees can grab a few snacks. Games such as pool tables or table football always go down well. They help introduce some fun into the workplace, bringing colleagues closer together.

Breakout furniture should look a little different to the rest of the office. Ideally, it should be more colourful and comfortable so people can clearly see the purpose of the area. It helps to consider existing office colour schemes when making breakout area design choices.

2022 office scene showing contemporary design

Want to create an awesome office breakout area? Technology Desking are collaborating with Hitch Mylius and Koplus to provide a range of furniture that will bring comfort and style to your workspace. Take a look at our office desking products here.