I’m not ashamed to admit it, I like to eat. I think about eating a lot. Like all the time. When will my next meal be? What will I snack on today? These are common thoughts that run through my funny brain. It’s no different in the workplace (if you could only see my snack drawer now) especially when designing for a corporate workplace setting. Most employees are used to strolling by the vending machine in their office or may only frequent that sad little coffee machine in the kitchen. As a corporate workplace Interior Designer, it’s my job to consider (amongst many other things) how best to improve workplace design for employee productivity and overall employee wellness. Believe it or not but mindful eating plays a big role in this notion!
Most of us can recall some pretty wonderful memories surrounded by food. Whether it’s a holiday meal with family or a dinner with friends, food has always brought us together. We’ve always seen this as an act to nourish our bodies but, in today’s work culture, it also acts as a much-needed mental break for our overall wellbeing. By designing communal eating spaces in the workplace, we’re suggesting a work culture that is inclusive of both personal wellness while developing corporate success. The main focus here is a communal setting that is multi-purpose – a place for all employees to eat, comingle, and share their latest innovations. We all know how awesome it can feel to take the time to share a silly story with your favorite colleague before taking the last few hours of your day to bang out that impending deadline. So why not add this simple pleasure to another much necessary pleasure of eating. And, like I’ve mentioned in my ‘The Evolution of the Open Office’ post, happy people = increased productivity (yay!).
Photos: stevetsai.photography
For mindful eating spaces to be successful in the workplace, there needs to be a shift in the traditional kitchen setting framework. The keys to its success are a multi-purpose space that is open, inviting, accessible, and, ultimately, able to accommodate both work and leisure functions. Access (and free access might I add!) to filtered drinking water, healthy snacks, and even entertainment such as ping-pong, fuseball, or pool/billiards leads to the promotion of socialization and healthy eating habits in the workplace. Although we are seeing a shift in the traditional kitchen framework, it doesn’t have to be a drastic change to be a successful mindful eating space. Basic components such as furniture, millwork, and appliances are still vital here – it’s about the overall arrangement and sizing. Sizing being a key word here. As designers, we do need to develop a program that enables the space, before the seating and amenities come into play, to reinforce the design intent. With a juicy chunk of space programmed for, we see this as a big advantage in providing all of the requirements for a successful mindful eating space. If planned efficiently, your business can avoid cost premiums on constructing spaces that will hardly ever be used compared to your mindful eating space. By providing the multi-function of eat, meet, and play, it’s a win-win for everyone!
Picture this, you find yourself approaching the mindful eating space where there is a selection of yummy (and might I add healthy!) snacks and accoutrement to go with your morning coffee. You run into your colleague and decide to schedule a quick chat about an upcoming project before sharing lunch together. You find yourself taking mental breaks to socialize with your teammates. Ah, everything is alright in the world again!
These subtle yet impactful choices throughout your work day have ultimately lead to the greater good of your overall wellness. You feel rested when you awake in the morning and you decided to bring your lunch from home more often and socialize with your colleagues. Your office is giving you the tools to not only improve your wellbeing but, improve your focus on your job. Most importantly, you are provided with the people around you that keep you at your best!
What’s your workplace missing? Let me know in the comments section below!
