If you’re about to make your office a better place for your people, you’re on the right path to the Best Employer award. But bewilderment may put you off the track early at the concept stage.
How do you choose the right office lounge area design? What style is the best? What should you arrange in such a place?
Keep reading to be in the picture.
Why should you have a lounge in your workspace?
Having a dedicated workplace area for people to re-channel their energy is both a productivity upgrade and an investment into your business. A lounge area in the office gives employees a break from their desks, serves as a de-stressor, and prevents burnout. It shows that you value your team’s well-being, which can boost loyalty.
It is also a place to kindle creativity, as casual conversations often spark innovative ideas. Your lounge becomes a hub for informal meetings and spur-of-the-moment collaboration by breaking down departmental barriers.
Plus, a well-designed lounge in the workspace is a powerful addition for retaining top talent in your company. The most skilled employees will unlikely settle for a stuffy office where they feel restricted or limited in their off-duty choices.
Lifehacks for office lounge area design
Designing a dream lounge area doesn’t have to break the bank or require a complete office overhaul. Here’s how you can create a stress-fencing place on a budget:
- Use relaxation-boosting furniture (e.g., ottomans and sofas)
- Go green and incorporate plants
- Place rugs to add warmth
- Set up a DIY coffee bar with a single-serve machine
- Create a book swap corner to encourage reading and sharing
- Set up a charging station with multiple cables
- Hang a large whiteboard for spontaneous brainstorming or having fun
The key idea here is to create a flexible space that supports various activities and work styles while promoting employee wellness. Some companies are even experimenting with nap pods or meditation corners within their lounges, recognizing the importance of rest and mindfulness in the workplace. These are more costly lounge additions but excellent for modern offices.
What is the starting point for your lounge?
Start by selecting a quiet spot away from the busiest parts of your office (ideally, a place that has plentiful natural light). Then, furnish it with a mix of comfortable seating options, cozy sofas, and versatile modular pieces that can be rearranged for different needs. Remember to incorporate some greenery.
A small kitchenette or coffee station can make your lounge more inviting, and charging stations and good Wi-Fi coverage ensure it is practical for work.
Have too much on your plate? Amodini can create a workplace lounge that’s easy for your business to manage and even easier for your employees to be enchanted by.
The bottom line
A modern office lounge area can become the heart of your company and a distinguishing feature of your culture. It fosters a sense of togetherness and provides respite from the daily grind while functioning as a perk for job candidates and your existing employees.