Costco Connection - March 2012

small business

HAPPY EMPLOYEES are productive employees. And when it comes to your employees, little things can make a big difference. Creating an employee break room is a small perk that can help refresh minds, build friendships and boost your bottom line. Here are some steps to help you create a functional and affordable employee break room.

Find space. A separate room is ideal, but if space is at a premium, start with a simple divided-off area (out of customers’ view) where employees can get away from their desks to eat lunch or just relax.

Establish kitchen convenience. If you have the space and money, create a break room with the convenience and coziness of a home kitchen. Add a refrigerator, freezer and microwave to encourage employees to pack their lunches. Water coolers, coffee pots, disposable dinnerware supplies and vending machines are nice extra touches. Establish basic break room etiquette (see sidebar) to keep your break room clean, stocked and free of moldy, unidentifiable food.

Set the mood. In addition to serving as
a dining room, a break room should be a
place where employees can escape from the
noise and stress of work. They should leave
the area feeling re-energized, recharged, and
ready to tackle their next project. Paint the
room a bright, cheery color that is different
from the rest of the office to help change the
scenery. Hang a bulletin board to post
announcements and memos and for employ-
ees to post personal signs and ads. Subscribe
to trade journals and news publications so
employees can read about the competition
and current affairs during their downtime.
Provide food for thought. Providing
food and beverages lets employees quickly
boost their energy during the workday. One
economical option is to purchase snacks and
beverages in bulk. To encourage a healthier
working environment, provide nutritional
snack options such as granola bars, micro-
wave popcorn and dried fruits. Place them in
a basket or container for employees to pur-
chase using the honor system. Have a change
box where employees can drop their money
on the spot, or make a tally sheet so employ-
ees can mark each time they take something.
If you have the funds, consider providing
free snacks and beverages. Just stocking a few
bulk containers of snacks or providing a bag
of bagels every Monday morning can make a
big impression.
Be the host with the most. If you
have frequent business meetings, purchase
glass coffee mugs and beverage glasses to
serve your important guests properly.

With a few amenities, you can easily create a break room that offers a welcome respite for employees during the workday. C

Gimme a break!

Creating a workplace oasis

The Costco Connection Costco warehouse and Costco.com carry a variety of items to stock your break room, including disposable cups, dishes and cutlery; cleaning supplies; soft drinks, coffee and snack foods; Lifetime folding tables and chairs; and small appliances.

Break room etıquette

MOST PEOPLE know that the break room’s golden rule is to leave things the way you found them. Here are some general guidelines to keep it a happy and healthy place.

JUPI TER IMAGES

• Durable and easy-to-maintain furniture is important for an employee break room. The tables and chairs should be easy to clean since frequent spills and splatters are a given when food is involved.

• Establish a weekly rotating cycle of cleaning the refrigerator and freezer. If everyone uses it, everyone cleans it.

• If you emptied it, refill it. If you used the last paper towel, put out a new roll, etc.

• The first person to want coffee makes coffee. Make more if you empty the pot. The last one to leave the office turns the pot off and discards the used coffee and filter.

• Clean up after yourself. If you drop it, pick it up. If you spill it, wipe it up. This applies to tables, chairs, counters, floors and appliances.

• Nothing is more disgusting than getting your lunch ready to cook and opening the microwave door to see crusty, splattered food. If your food splatters or runs over while cooking, clean up the mess.