The effect of coffee on the human body is quite debatable, depending on the amount consumed. But the point is not what we consume or do not consume in these cozy office spaces, but how we meet each other, talk, and exchange information. Just like in the old days in the designated smoking rooms, where non-smoking colleagues often turned up because they did not want to be left out of the team and what was said there.
Not just coffee
The most important informal meeting points in offices have become coffee corners. Although coffee gives them their name, in many places – in response to the diverse needs of employees – they provide an increasingly wide range of options for those who visit the office. It is no wonder that we find at least 3 types of alternative milk in the fridge, there are fruit days, and a wide selection of teas. We have even met a company where alcohol was also hidden in the office bar. (Which is, of course, only consumed on important days and events.)
It is not necessarily expected that the employer will finance these supplies, as there are workplace communities where homemade cakes and fruits picked from their own garden appear on the kitchen counter on a daily basis.
Generational differences.
Based on our previous surveys, it is clear that the younger generation is more open to these alternative office spaces. Some people could even spend the entire working day in an office area decorated as a café. Therefore, we recommend interior design and technological solutions to our clients that allow for longer working hours in these spaces. For example, there should be appropriately sized tables, power outlets, soundproofing, and comfortable chairs.
Changed office function
In many companies, the office is no longer the primary place for work, but rather for personal meetings. For this, it is useful to create office areas that are more separated from open office spaces and suitable for conversations. Since the office in these companies also competes with the comfort of home, we are increasingly seeing lounge-style spaces with sofas and armchairs, as if we were meeting in one of our living rooms.
When designing café corners, pay attention to the following!
- There should be a water block in it! The lack of it makes it difficult to use. Dirty cups either stay dirty forever or disappear forever.
- Keep it intimate! It really works when it's in a more secluded spot, so that the people there aren't in plain sight. Soundproofing is also important so that neither conversations nor the sound of the coffee maker disturbs those working nearby.
- Efficient use of space! Small, unused spaces can also be suitable for creating a few personal corners.
- Create communication interfaces! It can also help with internal communication if you put up posters in these areas with some useful messages. In the abundance of digital messages, these may be more targeted.
- Provide multiple seating and standing areas! It's good if colleagues don't sit in front of a computer all day. By the way, different body positions also help change perspectives.
