With the modern way of working often meaning we’re spending much more time at our desks, glued to our computer screens, the idea of a break out area is becoming increasingly attractive to employees. Having regular breaks from the computer screen is important for health and safety, and breakout zones are the ideal opportunity to achieve that need.

Breakout zones are ‘staffrooms’ of sorts, but more specifically they are areas of the workplace where employees can chill out or attend informal meetings.

A break out area describes any space open to employees or visitors that is separate from their usual working area. A breakout zone is a space separate from the general working area. The aim is to provide staff with a change of scene, as well as an alternative area for both work and play.

Making good use of breakout spaces makes sound business sense. A room that used to be inhabited for a couple of hours a day can be turned into an efficient multi-use space, used throughout the day, combating rising space costs.

Research from the University of Warwick found that happy employees are 12% more productive and there are numerous anecdotal reports that staff offered space and time to lunch and relax are happier and more satisfied at work.

And there are health benefits too; encouraging your staff to walk away from their desks or spend some time away from the glare of the computer screen will help to promote employee wellbeing and improved posture while it can also help to relieve stress.