The Importance of a Chill Area in the Office
The first thought that comes to mind when one thinks of an office is usually "work". There is nothing wrong with this, and many people are indeed passionate about their work and obtain some of their most valued experiences there. However, when everything seems like it's business 24/7, work can become a place that many people commonly despise, and seek an escape from.
Some people go as far as taking up smoking to get away from their workspace, even if it's just for a short amount of time. This is what inspires the idea of having a recreation room, or "rec" room in the office. The rec room can serve as a quick getaway for those who may be hit with the office blues. It almost goes without saying that a break room can only be beneficial to its employees in the long and short term, but exactly how important is a break room? Well, let's take a look at some of its potential benefits.
Rec Rooms Can Reduce Stress, Which Can Increase Productivity
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Most of the modern coworking spaces offer a quick step away from the work station to help decrease one's stress and clear the mind without the need for a smoke break or a quick walk around the building. Many people may find it awkward to simply stand outside or somewhere away from the workspace while doing nothing. The Chicago Tribune has excellent break options and they've even formed part of their stairs into bleacher type benches that go down the center of the office space, which simply offers a different place to work from or have a quick chat while enjoying a different office view. The Chicago Tribune also has a coffee type cafe which can offer a much-needed boost in energy to get you back into focus after your break. The quick step away from work that the break room offers will also undoubtedly increase productivity, as it is well known that reduced stress levels help our ability to focus on the task at hand.
Rec Rooms Can Help Increase Creative Energy
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This is another idea that comes to mind when one observes the Chicago Tribune's break areas. While it is not always so easy to overcome, writer’s block can often be shaken up simply by a change of scenery, or a bit of movement. Changing location often leads to a change in thinking, which can lead to successful results if you are trying to overcome writer's block, so the break room (or rooms) may once again lead to more productivity, even when they are not necessarily used for a break, but perhaps a change in a workspace.
Rec Rooms Can Help Create and Strengthen Bonds With Coworkers
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While the occasional office banter may be encouraged, the majority of conversation in an office space is usually expected to be work-related. The rec room or chill area can eliminate that expectation and give coworkers the opportunity to get to know each other better. Some may bond through a game of pool if the options available, while many may simply be looking for a conversation that has nothing to do with work, or perhaps a conversation involving venting about work. In any scenario, the break room can help "break" down barriers with coworkers and simultaneously improve your ability to work with them and communicate on a deeper level.
With all this in mind, the break room can be one of the main things that helps us see work in a different light. The office, where we spend a lot of our time should be filled with positive memories and experiences, and while a rec room or chill area can seem like a fairly minor part of the job, it can make all the difference in many cases when it comes to morale.
Author: Elena Adler
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