The importance of a well-designed office kitchen

The kitchen has long been regarded as the heart of the home, but it’s surprisingly important to your office too.

The contemporary office kitchen fulfils many different roles and contributes to a healthy corporate culture. This versatile breakout space is every bit as important to your office fit out as desk space and meeting rooms.

Why corporate office kitchens matter

Providing a thoughtfully designed and equipped office kitchen demonstrates care for your staff’s health and well-being and can also improve productivity.

Home away from home:

Your staff spend a substantial part of their lives at work. They deserve more than a kettle and an old microwave in a dark unused corner of the office.

A contemporary office kitchen can be the heart of the office. With natural light, greenery and comfortable seating, this can be a nourishing space for everyone.

Mental and physical refreshment:

Spending long hours at the computer can trigger headaches, dry eyes or pain in the neck, shoulders and back.

Taking regular breaks helps to ease eye strain and correct posture. It plays an important part in maintaining health and safety in the workplace.

The kitchen is the ideal place for a mental and physical break. Here, your staff can sip a hot drink, chat with a colleague or stretch out their tight shoulders.

Regular short breaks work wonders for productivity. The office kitchen is a place to recharge and refocus. Sometimes, that’s how your employees gain new ideas on how to manage a tricky problem.

Healthy eating:

The environment we eat in affects our choices and, ultimately, our well-being. If your office only provides a vending machine stacked with chocolates and sugary drinks, chances are your staff’s diet will begin to suffer.

A kitchen that is inviting and thoughtfully designed can encourage healthier food choices, leading to sustained energy and focus. It may feature a:

• Chilled water station to promote hydration
• Bowl of colourful fruit to encourage healthy snacking
• Large fridge so staff can store food from home
• Powerful microwave for reheating food if required
• Selection of green plants to promote well-being
• Number of well-stocked cupboards full of crockery and cutlery
• Range of comfortable seating options to encourage staff to sit still and eat mindfully.

In these ways, healthy eating not only fuels productivity but also reflects a company culture that values its employees’ well-being.

Social connection:

People tend to gather in kitchens. As your employees make a cup of tea or prepare their lunch, they chat to one another, sharing their lives and collaborating informally over work projects.

These interactions boost social cohesion, creating a workplace where people feel they belong and are supported by their peers.

Versatile space:

The office kitchen is a versatile space. It’s not just for workday sustenance. It can also host after-hours events, such as:

• Staff pizza parties
• Wine tasting
• Informal client gatherings.

These events speak of a vibrant and inclusive office culture, helping to attract and retain staff and to win new business.

How can we help?

We’ve designed many outstanding office kitchens that have helped to strengthen corporate culture. We’re skilled in assessing your needs and creating a contemporary office kitchen design that reflects your business and is tailored to the available space.

If you’d like to improve your office kitchen design, please contact us. We’d love to help.