Today, office breakout areas have become essential for creating spaces where collaboration, creativity, and well-being thrive. No longer just a perk, these areas offer a solution for fostering a positive work environment. They give your team members a place to relax, recharge, and connect, enhancing productivity and workplace collaboration. But what turns a breakout area into a hub of innovation and relaxation? The right furniture.
Here are six types of office breakout furniture you need in your office to transform your workspace into an inspiring and functional retreat.
(1) Collaborative Workstations
Collaboration is the heartbeat of any successful organisation, and having the right setup for teamwork is key. Collaborative workstations are designed to bring people together, whether it’s for a quick discussion or an extended group project.
Flexibility is a key part of creating a collaborative workplace. Modular tables and movable seating allow teams to arrange and reconfigure the workspace to suit their needs. This type of furniture is ideal for encouraging spontaneous conversations, creative problem-solving, and collaboration in the workplace. Tables with integrated power outlets or chairs that swivel and move effortlessly, allow your team to focus on ideas, rather than logistics.
Why It Matters:
- Promotes workplace collaboration: Teams can easily gather and work together without being confined to formal meeting rooms.
- Adaptable to different group sizes: Collaborative workstations allow for small groups or larger teams to gather with ease.
(2) Lounge Seating
Who says work can’t be comfortable? Lounge seating offers a more relaxed environment where team members can unwind or engage in informal meetings. It's perfect for breaking away from the rigidity of traditional desks.
Lounge seating doesn’t just cater to relaxation; it’s a space where creativity can flow. Sometimes the best ideas come when you're in a more relaxed posture—an environment that feels more like a café than a corporate office. In fact, the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that in 2019 comfortable, adaptable furniture like lounge seating contributes to reduced stress and increased productivity in the workforce by giving them a space to unwind and collaborate.
Why It Matters:
- Encourages social interaction: Informal seating arrangements naturally invite conversation and connection among colleagues.
- Increases comfort: Providing comfortable seating solutions can help team members recharge, making them more productive when they return to their desks.
(3) Privacy Pods
While collaboration is essential, sometimes individuals need a quiet space to focus. Privacy pods offer the perfect solution for team members who require a break from the buzz of the office. These small, enclosed areas are designed to create a quiet environment for concentration or private conversations.
Soundproofing and ergonomic design are key features of privacy pods, making them perfect for focused work, private calls, or even quiet reflection. In today’s flexible working environments, the ability to create a peaceful retreat can significantly boost productivity.
Why It Matters:
- Boosts concentration: These spaces allow people to work without distractions, improving the quality of their output.
- Offers quiet time: Privacy pods can be a great solution for team members who need time to recharge, especially in open-plan offices.
(4) High-Top Tables
If you want to encourage quick meetings or casual conversations, high-top tables are a must-have. These tables invite standing, which can lead to shorter, more focused meetings. They also encourage movement, which can energise the workplace workforce.
High-top tables are perfect for spaces where colleagues can gather for quick updates, discussions, or coffee breaks without settling into long, formal meetings. They also foster more casual and approachable interactions among team members. The use of height-adjustable furniture boosts engagement, movement and energy which in turn has been proven by a 2020 study to enhance productivity and focus in team members.
Why It Matters:
- Facilitates standing meetings: Standing encourages faster meetings and helps team members stay engaged and alert.
- Encourages movement: It’s a healthy alternative to sitting and promotes physical activity during the workday.
(5) Café-Style Seating
There’s something about the vibe of a café that makes conversations flow naturally. Introducing café-style seating into your office breakout space can help recreate that relaxed atmosphere where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas over a cup of coffee.
Bistro tables, comfortable chairs, and flexible seating arrangements can transform your breakout area into a social hub. Whether it’s for informal meetings or team lunches, this type of furniture encourages workplace collaboration and builds a sense of community.
Why It Matters:
- Creates an inviting atmosphere: Café-style seating is ideal for casual conversations and social interaction.
- Multipurpose space: These seating arrangements can serve multiple functions—from eating areas to meeting spots.
(6) Modular Seating
Flexibility is key in modern office design, and modular seating offers just that. These seating units can be easily rearranged, reconfigured, and adapted to suit different needs—whether you’re setting up for a team meeting, a group brainstorming session, or a company event.
Modular sofas and seating units come in various shapes and sizes, giving you the versatility to create dynamic spaces. They can be used to divide larger rooms into smaller breakout areas, making it easier for teams to have dedicated spaces for collaboration or relaxation. A study from 2018 workspaces which offered flexible workstations and breakout spaces supported spontaneous interactions among employees which increased innovation and problem-solving among the teams studied.
Why It Matters:
- Adaptable to different spaces: Whether you need seating for a team meeting or solo work, modular seating can be easily adjusted.
- Future-proof design: As your workplace evolves, modular seating can adapt to new needs without the need for expensive refits.
Transform Your Office Today
Creating a breakout area with versatile and well-designed office breakout furniture can significantly impact workplace collaboration and productivity. Whether you're after collaborative workstations or modular seating, investing in the right furniture will help you build a more engaged, creative, and satisfied team.
Is your office breakout area ready for a revamp? Contact our team today to explore our consultative workplace design solutions that can be tailored to meet your organisation's unique needs.
