Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment in your hotel’s back office or break room plays a crucial role in enhancing staff well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
By focusing on aspects like comfortable seating, an accessible layout, entertainment, and promoting camaraderie among employees, you can genuinely make a positive impact on their daily experience at work.
In the following guide, we will explore various ways to transform your hotel’s back office or break room into an inviting space that fosters collaboration, relaxation, and inspiration for your staff members.
Create comfortable seating arrangements
To create a welcoming atmosphere for your staff, start by providing comfortable seating options in the break room.
Incorporate different types of seating, such as sofas and bean bags, for those who want to relax or unwind during their breaks.
Also, include ergonomic chairs that offer proper back support and adjustable settings to cater to individual preferences.
Make the layout accessible and functional
Keep the layout of your hotel’s back office or break room spacious and clutter-free for ease of movement.
Arrange furniture in a way that separates areas designated for eating, working, and relaxing without creating barriers.
Provide entertainment
Incorporate various forms of entertainment in the break room to help staff clear their minds during downtime.
For example, install a television set with popular streaming platforms and satellite channels to cater to different viewing preferences.
Alternatively, add things like books, board games, and a pool table to encourage camaraderie among employees while providing mental stimulation.
Include a refreshments station
A well-stocked refreshments station can do wonders for morale.
Offer a variety of snacks and beverages that cater to different dietary needs with both healthy alternatives like fruit and granola bars and indulgent treats such as cookies and chips.
In addition, provide a coffee machine or kettle alongside an assortment of teas for your staff to enjoy during their breaks.
Allow staff members to add personalised touches
Encourage employees to personalise their break room by showcasing things like staff artwork and photographs on the walls. That not only fosters a sense of belonging but also gives your staff an opportunity to express themselves outside their regular work duties.
Make sure to rotate the featured items regularly so everyone has a chance to share something they’re passionate about.
Ensure the space has adequate lighting
Proper lighting is essential for creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Ensure that the break room has sufficient natural light during the day through windows or skylights.
For artificial lighting, consider installing adjustable lights that cater to different tasks and moods, such as dimmable overhead lights for relaxation or focused task lighting for those using the space to catch up on work.
Maintain an optimal temperature
Achieving an optimal temperature in your hotel’s back office or break room is key for staff comfort.
Install an air conditioning system with individual controls allowing employees to adjust the settings according to their preferences.
During colder months, make sure there are enough heaters placed around the area to maintain a cosy atmosphere.
Place plants in the space
Incorporating plants into the space can improve air quality while adding a soothing vibe.
Choose low-maintenance options, such as air-purifying plants like snake plants, to reduce management efforts.
And consider adding more plants and greenery to the rest of your hotel as well as the back office or break room.
Provide tech amenities
Providing tech amenities can be highly beneficial for staff who want to catch up on work during breaks without returning to their desks.
So, equip the room with necessary devices such as computers or tablets as well as fast Wi-Fi connections, charging points for personal devices, and ample power outlets for maximum convenience.
Clean and maintain the space regularly
Keeping the back office or break room clean is essential in maintaining a welcoming environment.
Implement regular cleaning schedules within your hotel for all common areas, including the break room.
Encourage staff members to clean up after themselves when using shared spaces and provide hand sanitisers or surface wipes for added cleanliness.
Put up motivational quotes
Inspire your staff by incorporating motivational quotes throughout the break room.
Strategically place thought-provoking statements or quotes to motivate employees, with messages that encourage teamwork, perseverance, and a positive work ethic.
Use different mediums like posters, wall decals, or digital displays to present these powerful words visually and keep employees inspired throughout their workday.
Celebrate achievements and milestones
Take the time to celebrate your employees’ achievements, milestones, and anniversaries in the break room.
Recognizing their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments can motivate them and boost morale.
Create a designated Wall of Fame where you can display awards, certificates of achievement, or employee-of-the-month photographs.
Additionally, consider acknowledging birthdays with small surprises like cards or a communal treat shared among team members.
These small gestures will help foster a sense of belonging and contribute to creating a supportive work environment where your hotel staff feels valued.
Foster a sense of community
Encourage social interaction and open communication between staff members by designating areas within the break room to promote collaboration.
Arrange tables or seating in a way that encourages conversation and teamwork.
Also, consider organising regular events like team-building activities, holiday celebrations, or casual get-togethers that allow employees to relax, bond, and connect on a personal level beyond their professional roles.
This approach will contribute to building a strong sense of community among your staff while also making the back office or break room an inviting space for everyone to enjoy.
The takeaway
Investing time and resources into making your hotel’s back office or break room more appealing and welcoming can have significant benefits for both staff morale and performance.
Also, make sure you revisit the elements you introduce periodically to ensure they continue to meet the needs of your evolving workforce.
The result will be happier employees who feel appreciated and valued by their organisation. It will also lead to better service for your hotel guests and a strengthened reputation for your business within the hospitality industry.
