Everyone who's ever had an office job knows that your workspace has a huge impact on how you work. Is your team cramped into a tiny cubicle next to the photocopier all day? Or do they have space to move around and bat around ideas?
Breakout spaces are one of the key elements of modern office spaces and tonnes of businesses are eager to have breakout spaces for their team. Essentially a breakout space is an area for your team to get together to collaborate on new ideas, work on projects, relax or just work somewhere else in the office.
If you’re considering new office space in London and you’re wondering if your business should have a breakout space, we’re here to help. We’ve put together everything you need to know about breakout areas, including their benefits and how to find offices with them in London.
What is an office breakout space?
An office breakout space is a dedicated area within an office where employees can work together or take a break from their workstations.
The goal of an office breakout space is to provide employees with a place to work together or relax and recharge, which can help improve productivity and creativity. Breakout spaces are often located near the kitchen or cafeteria, as they tend to be places where people naturally gather.
But they can also be located in other office areas like near the lobby or entrance. Many companies are now incorporating breakout spaces into their office designs, providing a valuable amenity for employees.
The 5 Key Benefits of Office Breakout Spaces
1. Boosts employee well-being
Breakout areas in offices can help boost employee well-being by providing a space for them to take a break from their work or a different environment to work in. These areas can help reduce stress levels, promote creativity, and provide a place for employees to socialise and build relationships.
Plus, having a breakout area encourages your team to move around the office, which can hugely benefit your team’s health and even their life expectancy.
2. Encourages collaboration
Breakout areas in the office can encourage collaboration between employees. By providing a space for employees to take a break from their workstations, breakout areas can foster a sense of community and creativity.
Employees are more likely to approach each other with new ideas when they feel relaxed and comfortable, and breakout areas can provide the perfect setting for this type of interaction.
3. Creates a relaxing environment
The traditional office environment can be quite strict and formal. Breakout spaces can offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the office. They provide a place to step away from work for a few minutes, take a break, and recharge.
This can lead to improved concentration and productivity when employees return to work.
4. Makes an additional working area
With many businesses adopting hybrid working, it can be tough to keep track of who will be in the office. Occasionally, you might find that you’ve not got the desk space for everyone working. If you have a breakout area, you’ll be able to let your team work from there.
But even if there are enough desks, your team can use the space to have a change of scenery and work from a different area.
Plus, you can use the space for meetings with potential clients and new hires. The more relaxed atmosphere might be the perfect way to show them what it’s really like to work with or for your business.
5. Reduces distractions in desk areas
Many office spaces are designed to promote productivity, but several potential distractions can stop your team from getting their tasks done. The biggest distraction is noise, whether from phones ringing or co-workers chatting.
By having an office breakout space, your team has somewhere they can go to chat and discuss their work without distracting other team members.
Finding London offices with breakout spaces
As you can see, breakout spaces are a great way to encourage creativity and collaboration in the workplace. But not every office in London offers breakout spaces. If you’re eager to have a breakout space in your next office, we’ve put together some of the best offices with breakout areas in London:
