Steve Delfino Technion Consider the layout features of the workplace cafeteria and alternative uses for the space.
Workplace cafeterias, once just a means to quickly and safely refuel workers, are now more than just feeding workers lunch, they are places to gather, build culture and practice alternative ways of working. evolved to provide Reconfiguring the cafeteria idea into an alternative workspace for relaxed collaboration will ultimately change the use of the area, offering additional workstations for those seeking a change of space, or 62% of employees usually eat alone at their desk An opportunity to get more involved.
Workplace designers and furniture manufacturers have recently focused on looking at different uses for the workplace cafeteria space within the office. Designers are drawn to recimarcial design to further promote space utilization. Analyzing how attractively designed spaces bring teams together, connect with colleagues, and serve as a refreshing getaway anytime during work hours is key to developing dynamic spaces for everyone. element. Understanding the layout features of the workplace cafeteria also expands our traditional thinking about who uses the space and how.
Less stress and more comfort
For employees, it’s more efficient and cost-effective to stay in the office during lunchtime, as there is less travel and more time to actually eat. Thus, you can regain your time while saving on transportation costs. Not to mention, it reduces employee anxiety by not having to worry about whether they will be able to return to the office in a certain time. Getting back into this habit will allow the design of the in-house cafeteria to continue to advance at the same rate as the office design itself. The easily accessible area allows teams needing more work space or individuals needing alone time to work together within purposefully different sections of the same room, creating a workplace of cafeteria space for more than just lunchtime.
Technology is also having a far-reaching impact on the usability and design of cafeteria spaces. As teams and individuals can work from anywhere, the cafeteria automatically becomes the new gathering place to get work done.
Recimeric influences in office design
A dedicated workplace cafeteria provides employees with an informal place to enjoy the comforts of home. Having a comfortable and welcoming area away from desks and dedicated meeting spaces encourages people to gather and unwind during break times. Curating areas with awareness of the elements we love so much about our homes bridges the gap between stifling, professional landscapes and soft residential interiors, what we understand as ‘recimercial design’. provide stuff Themes such as comfort, safety, technology at your fingertips and even unlimited snacks at your disposal are currently influencing the (re)decoration and (re)furnishing of new and existing offices.
In the midst of the back-to-office turmoil, some people are looking forward to being back in the office, while others prefer to stay home or only go to the office a few days a week. With the recent embracing of the comforts of remote workspaces, adapting residential elements to develop commercial offices that also meet the needs of employees becomes critically important. Business leaders and designers agree that bringing employees back to the office only five or three days a week will require careful revision of designs and plans.
Studies have shown that people who look forward to returning to work do so primarily for opportunities to collaborate and socialize with colleagues. Therefore, many companies have increased the amount of square footage allocated for shared spaces, creating a “third space” within the workplace – a café-style mix of functional zones and furniture that supports dining, socializing, collaborating, and personal work. environment).
Today’s workers crave options that let their individual personalities shine. Cafeterias need to work hard to fully function as alternative workspaces. Not only is customizability important, but so is equipping these gathering spaces with everything from technology to large work tables to set users up for success.
Planning styles generated for today’s workforce
The modern workplace cafeteria has multiple functions and the ultimate goal is to bring people together.
- Accessible from various spaces
- All-day features
- Easily transformable to meet different needs
- Create experiences that offer choice and motivate attendance for office workers
Recognizing that different layout styles can be formatted for stationary and mobile work, casual and formal, the open cafeteria-sized space effectively uses every square inch for optimized work. A blank canvas for
casual mobile layout
With casters and easy-to-move furniture, it can be fully reconfigured throughout the day. Sofas anchor the space, tables can be moved together to form separate informal meeting spaces, and rolling seating can be nested when not needed.
casual fixed layout
Combine fixed elements with moveable furniture to restrict space transformations to specific areas/items. Fixed furniture is planned in different heights, allowing users to choose their experience. The same elements can be used in a café setting and easily transformed into a conference setting by pulling in a whiteboard or TV stand.
formal mobile layout
The wooden-finish mobile tables create a formal café-like atmosphere, but can be easily reconfigured and grouped together to create larger meeting or training spaces. The fixed banquet seating and lounge furniture in this area transforms from individual cafe settings to perimeter seating for meetings.
formal fixed layout
Most of the furniture is fixed and the space is intentionally laid out. Placing whiteboards between tables can make a small change, providing a level of functionality and privacy to spontaneous meeting spaces. Surrounding sofas add extra seating in meeting scenarios.
Gather in an alternate workspace
Reconfiguring the idea of a workplace cafeteria into a gathering space for relaxed collaboration will ultimately change the use of the area, providing an additional workstation for those seeking a change of space. or provide opportunities for more independent workers to feel more involved. The cafeteria is not only a place to eat lunch, but also offers design freedom and the opportunity to incorporate elements of home comfort throughout. Different planning styles and floor layouts for different uses cater to rising employee expectations and also contribute to an overall positive user experience.
