The kitchen is the heart of the home. Therefore, it should be no surprise that an office kitchen can play a vital role in employee happiness and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many ways that an updated office kitchen can increase your company’s bottom line by boosting employee satisfaction and morale!
1. Provides a healthy and appealing place for employees to eat
A well-renovated office kitchen can provide employees with an appealing place to eat lunch. This can be the place where employees mingle and create a harmonious work atmosphere as they enjoy their food. Whether your staff chooses to head out of the office to grab a quick bite or sit down for a more formal meal, having an attractive and comfortable space is essential for encouraging your team to take their lunch break. Today’s modern kitchens should be able to accommodate everything from small informal lunches to large business meetings.
2. Increases productivity with a more efficient kitchen layout
Office kitchens are typically designed around a central island surrounded by appliances. One of the most common complaints about this style of kitchen is that it offers little in the way of functionality or layout efficiency. By opting for an updated office kitchen, you can actually create more space and streamline your equipment arrangement to increase productivity.
Many contemporary office kitchens feature kitchen islands with well-built cabinets on one or more sides. This offers employees the opportunity to store kitchen essentials like coffee, tea, and water bottles close at hand while also clearing up valuable counter space for meal prep. Others have chosen to turn their office kitchen island into a multifunctional work area. This can be done by installing an electric drop-in cooktop in the center of the counter or adding a built-in desk with storage cabinets below. It’s even possible to install a sink on one end of the island and allow employees to use that side for food prep, reducing kitchen clutter and increasing efficiency.
3. Enhances company culture with a beautiful space
Your office kitchen is often the first area that visitors see when they come inside your office. It’s also where you might host informal meetings, client lunches, and other special events throughout the year. When it comes to creating an appealing and functional office kitchen, there are three main considerations to keep in mind:
Color
A bright kitchen with clean lines and an updated design can do wonders for creating a positive company culture. Employees will enjoy working in a space that beautifies the overall office environment. It’s also important to consider the types of appliances that you choose for your office. Stainless steel appliances are an excellent choice because they are modern, energy-efficient, and easy to clean.
Style
Look around your office. Does the decor seem warm and welcoming? Would you like it to be more traditional or modern? Your office kitchen should reflect the design aesthetic of your entire space. This doesn’t mean that you need to completely redo your entire kitchen if your office is already fully furnished. A few smartly chosen paint colors and a few new appliances can go a long way towards updating a dated kitchen area.
Accessories
Enhance the look of your office kitchen with decorative accessories that signal friendliness and warmth. Think about adding fresh flowers on the island, a vase full of colorful tulips on the windowsill, or a few family photos in colorful frames. These decorative touches will enhance your office kitchen while also making it more welcoming to guests and visitors.
4. Enables employees to take their lunch break away from their desks
Many employers worry that if they give their staff an hour or two to go out and grab a bite to eat, the employees will make a quick run out of the office and never come back. What you might not realize is that by allowing your employees this time away from their desks, they’ll return with a renewed sense of energy, productivity, and enthusiasm for going above and beyond in their work. An optimized kitchen inside your office will do just that and allow employees to eat healthier meals without spending too much time preparing them. They also won’t have to travel far from the workplace to get a bite to eat.
Updating your office kitchen is a great way to improve company culture, create more space, and increase efficiency. By choosing the right appliances and accessories, you can make your office kitchen look beautiful while also making it more functional. Consider giving your employees some motivation to take some time away from their desks to enjoy a healthy meal during their lunch break. You’ll be surprised at how much they’ll appreciate it.
