Colleagues see each other every day in the workplace, but do those relationships extend past the water cooler? Between projects, meetings and deadlines, workers rarely have time to talk about anything other than work. Fortunately, the new breakroom focus is on creating spaces that bring people together. Spaces that get them jazzed about interesting interactions and make them feel like the company is giving something back to them, reports the LA Times. [1] Whiteboards, lounge areas and games can create a space that promotes socializing and team building for a happier, more productive environment.

Breakroom Furniture to Boost Interaction

Furniture is one of the important items of any breakroom, so choose pieces that bring employees together. Go for a banquet-style dining table or several round tables to encourage conversation during lunch and snack time. Whatever shape you choose, opt for tables that aren't too wide so employees find it easy to talk to each other. When choosing chairs for the dining area, select ones that are comfortable with backrests to encourage workers to stick around and chat.

Once the all-important dining area is complete, build a comfortable lounge space where workers can kick back and relax. Consider to invest in comfortable furniture such as sofas, lounge chairs and beanbag chairs to help workers feel more at home. Arrange the pieces in a circular or square pattern, creating several smaller lounges if your workplace has a lot of employees. Don't forget to add some rugs and unique lamps for an even homier atmosphere.

Inviting Decor and Inspired Walls

Want to make the breakroom a place where employees actually want to hang out? Add some personality and color to the space! Differentiation is key, according to Inc. magazine. Don't make your break room a simple extension of the rest of your office. Do something to make it stand out.[2] Paint the walls a bright hue such as red, orange or green to make workers feel more inclined to be social and friendly, and add a few key accents such as faux plants or decorative fountains to amp up the decor. You can also include some motivational or humorous posters that double as conversation starters.

Here’s a potential design tactic that just might make workers put down their smartphones. Instead of tacking up the traditional bulletin board for notes from management, create a message space for everyone to use on one wall of the breakroom. Your communication wall may include a dry erase board, chalkboard and cork board with plenty of space. Mount a table nearby with colorful paper and sticky notes along with pens, chalk and dry erase markers. Let employees know they can use the wall freely to give shout-outs, say thanks or bring up an idea.

Games and Refreshments to Keep Them Hooked

Nothing cuts conversations short like a boring breakroom, so give workers a reason to stay and socialize. Workplace seriousness killing the vibe? Provide some games so employees can let loose and have fun playing together. A full-sized ping pong table is a sure hit, but you can have just as much success with a tabletop pool game, a deck of cards and a few board games. You can also provide print-out coloring pages and crayons, placing them on dining tables for a fun icebreaker. You might also invest in a video game corner with a TV, video game console and several controllers along with comfortable furniture.

In the end, the main attraction of any breakroom is the food and coffee, so make yours count. Cater to diverse tastes with a single-serve coffee maker and various pod flavors on hand, and provide some tea options and powdered drink mixes. Offer plenty of snacks such as pretzels, candy and individual bags of chips. Throwing the occasional pizza party or doughnut day is another surefire way to get employees socializing. Just be sure to keep the snack area well-stocked with coffee, along with supplies such as cups, creamer, sugar, stir sticks and napkins.

Once you've created or remodeled the ultimate breakroom for hanging out, hold a party to introduce employees to the space. Having regular celebrations and team-building events is a great way to maximize breakroom social time together. Just don't forget that the best way to foster employee relationships is to let them develop organically.