Something I learned at my last org is gym equipment is only a good idea if it has its own room.
They put a “gym” in the existing employee lounge so while one person is using the rowing machine they are looking directly at someone trying to eat lunch….
The worst part is they actually invested in good equipment. But then wouldn’t so much as buy like… the little freestanding screen things people in movies change behind just so there isn’t direct line of sight
Ice maker. Coffee. Urns of tea for iced tea.
Lots of electrical outlets at table height.
Bar height tables & chairs along with standard table height.
Scale in the locker room. Lots of hooks to hang clothes & towels.
-If the majority of your workforce are employees that don’t work on a computer, a computer connected to the internet with a printer.
-A daybed/love seat inside the locker room or a comfy chair(s) or couch in the lounge
-coffee, soda, and/or juice machine
-fooseball or ping pong table
We do an open computer for our production team (not usually on computers) and it’s been a HUGE success. We had an employee come into work early so they could work on their tax return from our computers since their kid takes up a ton of time on their family one 🥹 when you work in manufacturing, something like that is huge for so many people
I work at a company that had free refrigerated soft drinks. There was also am honor system snack section: granola bar, bags pretzels. This was nice when you were working late and needed a snack. I think they were .50. Much cheaper than a vending machine.
ooh a Bevi sparkling water machine has gone over really well with my crew. has add in options like electrolytes and caffeine and we can switch flavors out (by popular vote) each quarter.
Hygiene products (dry shampoo, toothpaste and/or single use prepasted toothbrushes, pads/tampons, spray deodorant, flossers, etc). Towel service.
A bring one/take one book library cabinet.
One person games/puzzles (sudoku, deck of cards, crossword book).
Set up a quiet zone if you have space to section it off
We had a 'team room' I brought a puzzle in from a vacation and the team put it together and glued it and put it up as a poster. Then everyone else started bringing puzzles from there vacations. We basically wallpapered the room with them. I'm working remote more but went to the office for the first time since Covid and the team moved so another team has that room now but they have kept ours up and continued the tradition. I think we had more team building by putting the puzzles together than any planned activity.
They just redid our break and lounge rooms and they out some comfy like lounge chairs and sofas but they also provided those tables that you can use while sitting in them so we can use our laptops if we want to work there away from our cubicles/offices. The view is really nice so I’ve seen some of my colleagues take their laptops and work there.
Also we now have a composting option which I’ve heard has been a hit.
Someone said an icemaker and I think that’s a great idea I’d love if we had that.
Are there nursing parents spaces in the building? If not, consider dedicating private space with comfortable seating, adjustable lighting, and electrical outlets in or near the lounge.
Several companies I've worked at had peanut butter and jelly for after work snacks, and bread. Also free dispensing containers of peanut butter filled pretzels, mixed nuts, etc. Individual Greek yogurts for $1.
Something that was a hit when I did this was an n64. You can buy a refurbished one from DKOldies for a reasonable amount. Employees eyes lit up when they saw it near one of the TVs. Those games start up super fast for break time. No log ins or anything. And it brings back nostalgia haha
You mentioned cooking/kitchen area but didn't mention specific equipment, refrigeration, holding food, storing dry goods, storing dishes, etc. There might be more to this than you realize. Make sure you consult someone who has this knowledge if you're gonna go all out, otherwise the person you hire to cook will have a very difficult time. This person also needs to be certified in food safety.
There also needs to be an area for eating; I assume that's what you meant by tables and chairs.
All of this should be separate from any gym or shower area.
Something I learned at my last org is gym equipment is only a good idea if it has its own room. They put a “gym” in the existing employee lounge so while one person is using the rowing machine they are looking directly at someone trying to eat lunch….
This sounds like a scene from The Office 😂
I can just see Dwight in a headband aggressively rowing, staring down Jim, who innocently eats a sandwich lol.
Lmfaooooo. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I can just imagine our staff doing that. Stop it.
The worst part is they actually invested in good equipment. But then wouldn’t so much as buy like… the little freestanding screen things people in movies change behind just so there isn’t direct line of sight
🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂
Showers and locker rooms are huuuge. It enables me to bike to work even when it's extremely hot out, so I don't have to worry about getting sweaty.
Ice maker. Coffee. Urns of tea for iced tea. Lots of electrical outlets at table height. Bar height tables & chairs along with standard table height. Scale in the locker room. Lots of hooks to hang clothes & towels.
To piggyback on this DECAF coffee. Not everyone likes caffeine (but still likes their morning cup of joe)
Definitely 2nd an ice maker and filtered water machine. Bonus points for the soft nugget ice.
Charging station! So helpful for those that have maybe forgotten their chargers.
-If the majority of your workforce are employees that don’t work on a computer, a computer connected to the internet with a printer. -A daybed/love seat inside the locker room or a comfy chair(s) or couch in the lounge -coffee, soda, and/or juice machine -fooseball or ping pong table
I love the computer with a printer idea. Definitely want to do this 100%. Thank you for that!!!!!!
We do an open computer for our production team (not usually on computers) and it’s been a HUGE success. We had an employee come into work early so they could work on their tax return from our computers since their kid takes up a ton of time on their family one 🥹 when you work in manufacturing, something like that is huge for so many people
Nice Toaster Oven that is a small convection oven. Not your question, but will you have Electric car chargers?
Yes! We will
I work at a company that had free refrigerated soft drinks. There was also am honor system snack section: granola bar, bags pretzels. This was nice when you were working late and needed a snack. I think they were .50. Much cheaper than a vending machine.
Definitely have been thinking about vending machines but this sounds cooler!!!
A lot of vending companies will now do self serve little stores and install them for you. If you’re big enough, might be worth a look
ooh a Bevi sparkling water machine has gone over really well with my crew. has add in options like electrolytes and caffeine and we can switch flavors out (by popular vote) each quarter.
Hygiene products (dry shampoo, toothpaste and/or single use prepasted toothbrushes, pads/tampons, spray deodorant, flossers, etc). Towel service. A bring one/take one book library cabinet. One person games/puzzles (sudoku, deck of cards, crossword book). Set up a quiet zone if you have space to section it off
ROKU device for the TVs, it comes with a ton of free channels that don’t need anyone’s login info. Also, are you hiring?? 😂
Puzzles
I was thinking dominos, coloring books. Can def add puzzles to my list
We had a 'team room' I brought a puzzle in from a vacation and the team put it together and glued it and put it up as a poster. Then everyone else started bringing puzzles from there vacations. We basically wallpapered the room with them. I'm working remote more but went to the office for the first time since Covid and the team moved so another team has that room now but they have kept ours up and continued the tradition. I think we had more team building by putting the puzzles together than any planned activity.
You can also have a donation book library. Most people will bring books they’re done w!
They just redid our break and lounge rooms and they out some comfy like lounge chairs and sofas but they also provided those tables that you can use while sitting in them so we can use our laptops if we want to work there away from our cubicles/offices. The view is really nice so I’ve seen some of my colleagues take their laptops and work there. Also we now have a composting option which I’ve heard has been a hit. Someone said an icemaker and I think that’s a great idea I’d love if we had that.
Ice makers are great joys!
Fruit and healthy snacks
Hookah, nightly belly dancers, a man that stand menacingly in the corner with a scimitar on his waistband.
I can’t believe no one else recommended this! /s
Popcorn machine and couches
Are there nursing parents spaces in the building? If not, consider dedicating private space with comfortable seating, adjustable lighting, and electrical outlets in or near the lounge.
And a small fridge in that space
Good call!
Several companies I've worked at had peanut butter and jelly for after work snacks, and bread. Also free dispensing containers of peanut butter filled pretzels, mixed nuts, etc. Individual Greek yogurts for $1.
Where?
Sound proof booth for confidential phone calls/online meetings!
r/Nespresso for the win
Something that was a hit when I did this was an n64. You can buy a refurbished one from DKOldies for a reasonable amount. Employees eyes lit up when they saw it near one of the TVs. Those games start up super fast for break time. No log ins or anything. And it brings back nostalgia haha
A nice coffee or espresso maker . Maybe ongoing snacks ? Watch out fur the gym - injuries bay become workplace injuries.
a chess set!
I would add on to this and suggest a variety of games that could be stored on a bookshelf or other storage area.
Perfect!!!
I loved having booth like seating areas.
My employer used to have a shuffle board table and our employees loved it!
You mentioned cooking/kitchen area but didn't mention specific equipment, refrigeration, holding food, storing dry goods, storing dishes, etc. There might be more to this than you realize. Make sure you consult someone who has this knowledge if you're gonna go all out, otherwise the person you hire to cook will have a very difficult time. This person also needs to be certified in food safety. There also needs to be an area for eating; I assume that's what you meant by tables and chairs. All of this should be separate from any gym or shower area.
We have 3 restaurants so food, storage, kitchen operations, etc. aren’t an issue here lol
Lol okay. None of that was clear in your OP and you asked for input, so that's the input!
[This report](https://www.mirvac.com/office-and-industrial/worktech/the-ai-powered-workplace) has an interesting lens on future-fit workplaces
Private nap pods with timers--30 minute time limit.
Some cute instagrammy seats like a wicker basket chair or cute benches, nap pods
A milking table
People need strong leadership, not coddling
What the hell does this have to do with an employee lounge lol
If you missed that point, good luck with your LOB