Office Kitchen Tips and Meal Benefits That Work for Everyone
Employee well-being should be a top priority for every business. One way to promote a healthy work environment is by providing a well-stocked and functional office kitchen.
Office kitchens are a communal space where employees can recharge, chat, exchange ideas, and fuel up for their day while they step away from their desk, bolstering mental and physical health, and bonding with their teammates.
A great office kitchen is so much more than just a space where team members can come to make themselves something to eat or drink.
Having coffee and a coffee maker is great, but what about milk, sugar, tea, and snacks?
The design of an office kitchen and what is kept there says a lot about what you think of the people who work for you.
What Is the Size of an Office Kitchen Area?
Depending on how large your team is, office kitchens can be large or small. You just need enough space to include the basic items you have in a typical house kitchen.
The office kitchen design should work for the needs of your team.
How to Design a Bespoke Office Kitchen
Bespoke kitchens should suit the practical and creative needs of your office. Here are a few things to consider.
- Create a wish list for your team to write what they would want most from and in the office kitchen.
- Get inspired and pick a style.
- Separate the room into key zones defined by use.
- Select the correct equipment for the space.
- Make sure to have the right types of seating.
The power supply in the kitchen is in constant use at the office and should be able to handle it accordingly.
Depending on how many people you employ, it might be advisable for businesses to buy equipment from the catering supply category.
Offer a Variety of Cooking Appliances
From microwaves to toaster ovens, having a range of options can accommodate different meal preferences.
Office kitchen design should lend itself to ensuring cleanup is easy with a sink, space to dry dishes, and a dishwasher available.
In addition to having enough room to store dishes and kitchen supplies, you must make sure that the kitchen has enough room for bulk orders of tea, coffee, and other beverages.
Designate specific cabinets for these items.
Make sure your design allows for counter space to hold a coffee station and other small appliances.
Your fridge must also have enough storage space to allow for easy use by all employees.
A good office kitchen is a community area where people can enjoy sitting down, eating, drinking, and interacting with colleagues.
Spend a bit more on quality furniture for this space.
- Work interaction
- Creates a focal point
- Improves morale
- Facilitates cooperation among employees.
The ergonomics of chairs is another thing to think about during the creation of the kitchen.
Designed to reduce fatigue and soreness, ergonomic chairs provide the optimal solution for staff to work and relax in comfort.
An ergonomic chair helps promote good sitting posture as well as lowering tension in the back.
Your office kitchen layout should have enough room to allow for tables to sit at.
This space will ultimately serve as a meeting place for office workers, so the room should be welcoming, comfortable, and have sufficient space for everyone.
Include a Standup Area for Fast Breaks
To provide an even better office kitchen experience, add in a bar area with stools for employees who want to pop in and out quickly or sit and have a cup of tea or coffee with their team.
Shared Kitchens Should Be Easy to Look After
Always choose easy-to-clean surfaces in kitchens for cabinet fronts, worktops, floors, walls, and sinks. Any seating should be wipeable or stain resistant because spills will happen.
Keep the kitchen clean and organized! Regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen appliances can promote a healthier workspace. Hygiene is paramount for health when it comes to any kitchen.
Your kitchen design should complement your office layout. Pick kitchen worktops or paint and kitchen accessories that match the colors of the workplace or brand logo.
Creating the right kitchen atmosphere for the office staff and visitors ensures the best possible look and feel for your company.
Kitchen Essentials to Include in Your Office Space
Below is the list of equipment to consider including in your office kitchen.
- Appliances: Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishwasher, Toaster, Toaster Oven, Coffee Maker, Stove
- Utensils: Knife Block, Can opener, Peeler, Slotted Spoon, Spatula
- Everyday Items: Cutlery, Plates, Glasses, Bowls
- Condiments: Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Olive Oil, Vinegar, Ketchup, Mustard
- Miscellaneous Highly Used Kitchen Items: Crockery, Chopping Boards, Oven Glove
- Items to Replenish: Fresh Fruit, Office Milk
- Water Cooler and Water
- Sink and Drying Rack
How Can I Improve My Office Kitchen?
Stocking the refrigerator in the kitchen with employee-friendly options is a great way to bolster morale and show you care about the daily needs of your staff.
- Healthy Snacks: Provide options like fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt for employees looking for a quick snack at lunch or in the afternoon and promote healthy eating habits.
- Beverage Selection: Offer a selection of various drinks, teas, coffees, and flavored vitamin waters for employees to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Meal Ingredients: Consider stocking basic ingredients like pasta, rice, and sauces for employees to easily prepare a meal if they can’t get out of the office.
Why install or improve upon a workplace kitchen? This can be a pleasant space with an inviting atmosphere where team members can recharge and get away from their decks.
- Increase productivity.
- Bolster employee happiness
- Re-energize staff members.
- Improve employee health.
- Create community within the workplace.
Utilizing Edenred’s Meal Benefits for Employee Satisfaction
Offer a hassle-free, low-cost benefit to your employees through a Ticket Restaurant prepaid card. Funded monthly in the amount of your choice, it promotes good health and gives them the incentive to refuel.
The card can be used to pay for meals during working hours at local eateries, restaurants, grocery stores, and through food-delivery apps and can be used for many positive workplace applications.
- Offer Discounts and Deals: Partner with local restaurants and eateries to provide exclusive discounts for employees using Edenred’s Meal Benefits.
- Host Office Potlucks: Encourage employees to cook, showcase their cooking skills, and bond over delicious meals using Edenred’s meal benefits.
- Offer Meal Vouchers: Meal vouchers can give employees the flexibility to choose where they want to eat.
- Provide Catered Lunches: Catered lunches can save employees time and money while also fostering a sense of community.
- Subsidize Healthy Meal Options: Subsidizing healthy meal options can encourage employees to make better food choices.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encouraging employees to take regular breaks for meals can improve their overall well-being.
Creating a well-stocked and employee-friendly office kitchen can have a positive impact on workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
By offering meal benefits like meal vouchers and catered lunches, you can show your employees that you value their well-being and productivity.
So, why not take the first step towards creating a more employee-friendly office kitchen today? Your employees will thank you for it!
For more information about this popular meal perk, contact Edenred today.
