With many employees taking advantage of the hybrid working model, employers need to make the office a more attractive space. While greenery, coffee machines, and ping pong tables are a step in the right direction, employees are also looking for breakaway spaces that allow them to recharge.
So, one of the newer office trends is the inclusion of recharge rooms. These rooms provide a space for employees to destress and clear their heads through meditation, a time out or nap, and calming features and decor.
If you are looking to increase employee productivity, reduce burnout, and put your employees’ mental health first, keep reading to find out more about recharge rooms and their benefits for employees.
What Are Recharge Rooms?
Recharge rooms are essentially a way for employers to provide their employees with a work-life balance. These rooms provide a space within the office for employees to recharge their physical and mental energy and well-being.
While there is no set formula when it comes to recharge rooms, their features and furnishing should generally be dedicated to de-stressing employees. This could be through creating a space for meditation, gaming, yoga, or napping.
Recharge rooms are a great inclusion in hospitals and other high-pressure work environments.
4 Ways Recharge Rooms Benefits Employees
A stressful work environment has a negative effect on work productivity. Employees who are not healthy mentally and physically will not produce a high standard of work. Further, high-stress levels could lead to several health risks. But, the incorporation of recharge rooms has seen a number of benefits. Some of these are discussed below.
Reduce Stress
The main purpose of the recharge space is to make use of scientifically proven methods to reduce stress. Having a space to step into when the daily tasks become a bit overwhelming is a great way to calm and organize your thoughts, and slow down your heart rate.
A time-out space that allows your employee to catch their breath works wonders to reduce their stress levels and will help them work better in the long run.
Improve Mental Health
Reducing employee stress levels has a major positive impact on mental health. When employees have high-stress levels this often leads to anxiety and depression. When employees suffer from mental illness it may become difficult for them to work or carry out their normal daily activities.
Putting measures in place to protect employee mental health is vital to the success of any organization. Providing a recharge space with access to motivational videos or meditation music will no doubt have a positive impact on your employees’ mental health.
Prevent Burnout
By incorporating recharge rooms in the office, you encourage your employees to take a break in their busy work day. Sitting at a desk for hours on end is detrimental to your employees’ physical and mental health.
For those employees who struggle to step away and take a break from a difficult task, you could set up a schedule allocating mandatory 30 min de-stressing time. This may seem like a small gesture but providing the space to relax and recoup will significantly reduce an employee’s risk of burnout.
Lower Blood Pressure
When employees are extremely stressed and under immense pressure, this could manifest into physical problems. High blood pressure, physical aches, pains, and insomnia are just some of the effects of high-stress levels.
A recharge room provides a space for employees to take a nap or meditate which is known to reduce stress levels. As a result, this could lead to health benefits like lowering blood pressure.
What To Include In A Recharge Room
There is no hard and fast rule as to what should be included in a recharge room. But generally one should make use of soft furnishings, calming colors, and dim lighting to create a safe and calm space that encourages relaxation.
Other features to include in a recharge room could include:
- Aromatherapy and diffusers with soft scents.
- Good ventilation.
- Soundproofing or sound machines with white noise or meditation music.
- Greenery.
- Carpets for a comfortable feel.
- Massage chairs or a nap pod.
- Projectors that display a calming environment like the ocean or mountains.
Conclusion
Employees spend most of their lives in the office. So, it’s important for employers to create an environment that allows employees to de-stress and take a break from the task at hand.
Recharge rooms provide the perfect space to do so and the benefits are endless. Plus, they are easy to customize to suit the needs and preferences of those who use them.
If you are looking to incorporate a recharge room in your office space, reach out to one of our experienced team members today. We at Chad Fischer Construction have all the necessary experience and expertise to create the perfect space for you and your employees.