The office is no longer just a place for work. It is a multifaceted space that fosters collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being. One area that plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals is the office kitchen. Gone are the days when the kitchen was a mere afterthought. Now it is a vital component of office life. After all, the average employee drinks 3 cups of coffee per day, and almost 4 in 10 employees admit they wouldn’t make it through the work day without coffee. Granted, there are also tea drinkers, but the findings would be similar for those too. Tea drinkers do rely on their beverage to stay alert, motivated and engaged at work, and they also reach out to the tea cup more than once during the day. As such it certainly makes sense to bring the office kitchen to the forefront of your office strategy. Here’s why it matters.
By Team Savant
Image: Petr Magera
Part Of A Modern and Sleek Office Look
Renovating and upgrading the kitchen area can truly elevate the entire office space. When clients or partners with your office, the first impression matters. So, of course, introducing more light and opening up the space can contribute altogether to creating a modern atmosphere in the workplace. An equally modern kitchen will not only add a touch of sophistication but also reflect your company’s commitment to a well-rounded work environment. It conveys the message that your business values the comfort and convenience of its employees and visitors.
So what exactly makes your kitchen look old and out-of-touch with the current needs of modern employees and businesses? Outdated appliances, cluttered and unorganized spaces and a lack of attention to aesthetics can all contribute to an unfavorable perception. It’s worth investing in a stylish and functional kitchen to help your office stand out in a competitive business landscape.
Essential Appliances
As mentioned above, outdated appliances can affect your kitchen’s appearance and tarnish the business reputation for employees and visitors. Which essential appliances does your modern office kitchen need?
These include coffee and tea machines and programmable kettles. Tea drinkers can consume a variety of teas, which means that not all beverages need to be brewed at the same temperature. You also want to add a fridge for storing lunch boxes and more. If budget allows, a chilled drink fridge stocked by the company can be a game-changer too. Make a point to also add ice machines, as more and more workers are embracing iced drinks such as iced coffees and teas. You might want to find out which types of ice machines are suitable for your office needs. Finally, another essential addition is a microwave.
These appliances create a versatile kitchen that enables employees to prepare meals, brew their favorite drinks, and store perishables conveniently. These amenities can also help increase productivity by minimizing the need for employees to leave the office for basic necessities.
A Break Area
The kitchen isn’t just a place for food and drinks. It is also a designated break area. Here, staff can take short breaks to recharge during the day. Whether it’s a quick coffee break or a leisurely lunch, these moments of respite are essential for maintaining focus and productivity.
Therefore, businesses need to invest in well-designed break areas that encourage social interaction among employees, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
A Crucial Perk
One of the standout features of a modern office kitchen is the provision of free drinks. This perk not only boosts employee morale but also adds to the overall appeal of the workplace. It’s crucial to offer a variety of drinks to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, including options for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
While providing complimentary beverages is not mandatory, it sends a clear message that the company values its employees’ well-being and satisfaction. It is a small gesture that can make a big difference in employee retention and recruitment efforts.
Attract People Back To the Office
With the rise of remote work during the pandemic, offices need to find compelling reasons to entice employees back to the workplace. A modern kitchen with professional barista coffee machines can be a noteworthy perk. Remote workers have direct access to their own kitchen, where they can prepare their favorite tea or coffee day after day. This may seem unimportant, but it is also part of their work routine and comfort, and iot can be something that they’ll miss if they are forced to head back to an office with no decent coffee or tea making facilities. Many employees have already said loud and clear “Why would I go back to the office when working from home is more comfortable and convenient?” Depriving them of their comfort cup of Jo is only going to drive higher turnover rate.
In conclusion, the office kitchen is starting to play a crucial role in modern businesses. It’s time for businesses to embrace the kitchen strategy!