Break Out Seating / Soft Seating

Soft seating or breakout seating is a fun way of interjecting creativity into your office environment. It can often be a process in which the staff becomes involved in as they will all be using the area, so it could be a good idea to let them help make the decisions or at least involve them in the early design and planning stages. Providing a relaxing, fresh and creative breakout space allows employees to feel valued, as they can spend time away from their work, in their own alternative environment. There are so many benefits and advantages of designing and implementing a comfortable break out area at work, helping employee wellbeing in a number of ways.

1. The social aspect

Making your office more sociable helps with employees wellness and wellbeing, as providing respite opens up opportunities for employee relationships and bonding. Social break out areas which have been carefully thought out and considered will help boost employees productivity and wellbeing, as when people feel relaxed, they become more talkative and open up. Games are also a fun way to improve the social aspect of the office such as pool, table football or ping pong? What better way to let off some steam and have some fun with a colleague, you may even discover a hidden talent? On the flip side, it may be better for these sort of games to be played away from those who are working as the noise generated could prove to be distracting and increase stress levels. 

2. Increasing creativity 

It's likely a creative idea can come along at any time or be inspired by something nonwork-related. However, if you are looking to generate or foster these ideas in-house, new starters will expect, or maybe even demand (?) a dedicated zone to think or work this way. Having a comfortable environment or break out area in place will help retain talent and make a workforce happier, improving wellbeing.

3.  Increased productivity

It's easy to see why having a relaxing breakout area is correlated to improved performance and increase productivity. Numerous studies have shown that letting employees switch off for a bit can actually make them work harder. It's common sense really, if you are able to rest and recharge properly you can come back to each task with zest and vigour making each task more manageable and improving your working day.  

4. A space for clients and visitors

Not all meetings have to take place in the meeting room. You may have regular visitors that don't necessarily need to be given the boardroom treatment each time they visit. Or you may want to hold a meeting away from the formalities of the boardroom? Meeting your clients or visitor in break out space shows that your business is flexible and more importantly helps your clients feel more relaxed. 

5. Taking time for you 

It seems wherever you look these days there are stories and people who are a little stressed out, why is this? Well there are whole host of reasons and one American Study simple put it down to 'because we are more stressed', not very insightful but you cannot argue with the findings. So finding the right work-life balance is still high on peoples agendas but we need to make allowances for them to manage their personal lives. Paying bills, arranging MOT's, talking to a partner, family members friends who may need your help. All of these impact your work life and can in some ways be impacting your work. However, if you are able to take these calls or manage your private affairs, well in a little more privacy, then you will in no doubt feel more 'in charge' and relaxed, which in turn, will improve your performance and wellbeing at work.

If you are thinking of planning a breakout area or would like to discuss various options then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01823 663880. We would look forward to hearing from you.