Is “let's grab a coffee” the new “let’s book a conference room”?
While some meetings require the privacy and formality of a conference room, increasingly workers are ditching formal meeting rooms in favor of the cafeteria, lounge, or café. These casual or impromptu meetings have become an essential part of the way people work. Office break rooms are no longer simply a place to grab lunch or a cup of coffee, but offer employees an alternative space to refresh the mind, meet with team members, and foster collaboration.
At L&K Partners, we partner with our clients and their design consultants to find ways to maximize the utility of their amenity space. Read on for more about our work and key considerations when building workplace cafeterias:
Differentiated Space
At the center of a revitalized work cafeteria is a dynamic, thoughtfully-curated layout to support both the flow of traffic, dining, lounging, and group meetings. Different space types may include buffet counters, cafeteria and bar style seating, booths, lounge, or amphitheater seating, each with their own technology considerations and noise localization methods.
Shearman and Sterling’s employee cafeteria includes a full commercial kitchen, restaurant seating, barista bar, and library
Technology
Technology integration is at the center of building plans when creating a highly-functional employee cafe, and takes many forms. In addition to menu display boards and order kiosks, it is important to equip seating areas with extra wall, table, and booth outlets. Additional details when considering flexible meeting space within the work cafe are lighting fixtures, monitors and high-speed WIFI connectivity.
TD Bank equips each dining booth with power outlets, individual lighting, and display TVs
Agile, Flexible Furnishings
When it comes to work cafe furniture, configurability and comfort is paramount. Tables and chairs that are free standing and modular help maximize use and cozy lounge furniture ensure employees feel welcomed and relaxed.
LinkedIn’s employee pantry includes standing room around a kitchen island, and freestanding meeting furniture configured for both collaboration and privacy
Workplace cafeterias provide business leaders a unique opportunity to foster engagement, productivity, and collaboration among employees by delivering dining services and multifunctional meeting areas all in one space.
Learn more about our experience creating these spaces and get touch with a team member by clicking the button below