A well-stocked breakroom gives employees a comfortable place to step away, reset, and come back to work with more energy. When the essentials are missing, the breakroom stops being useful and can quickly become a source of frustration. Stocking it well supports morale, helps the day run more smoothly, and keeps productivity from taking a hit due to constant supply runouts. This guide covers the most important items to keep stocked in your break room so employees have what they need throughout the week.
Coffee and Other Drinks
An important part of any workplace breakroom is a reasonable selection of drinks. Coffee is traditionally the main staple of any workplace breakroom, and helps keep employees energized throughout the day. Stocking a few different coffee options helps accommodate different preferences, and throwing in tea, hot chocolate, and some flavored creamers adds some variety.
You might want to consider stocking some cold, refreshing drinks, too. Bottled water, juice, and soft drinks give employees some options for cooling off, particularly if they perform any kind of manual labor, like in a warehouse setting. A water cooler also works for keeping employees hydrated, but consider putting out some flavored drink mix packets that they can add to their water bottles to encourage them to drink more water. After all, about half of adults in the US are chronically dehydrated already.
Healthy Snack Options
Your employees appreciate having easy snacks available during busy work days. Healthy snack options can give employees an energy boost and help them avoid that dreaded afternoon slump. Consider options like granola bars, mixed nuts, trail mix, and fresh fruit. Offering nutritious choices shows that you care about your employees’ well-being, and you’re willing to take on a few extra expenses to ensure that they have the fuel they need to get through the day.
Paper and Plastic Dishes
An employee packs a lunch for work, goes on their break, heats up their food, and then realizes they don’t have the utensils they need to eat it. It’s important that your breakroom is stocked with the necessary paper and plasticware needed for your employees to eat on their lunch breaks. This includes paper plates and bowls, plastic utensils, paper cups, and napkins. By ensuring your breakroom is stocked for a picnic at a moment’s notice, you’re ensuring your employees have what they need to eat their meals comfortably, without needing to pick up hot pasta with their fingers.
As with other kinds of office supplies, a well-stocked breakroom contributes directly to employee morale and productivity. Make sure that your breakroom has what is needed to give your employees the relaxing break they deserve in the middle of a long workday.
