The office break room is one that many states across the country insist employers to have by law. However, employers know all too well how difficult it is to not only maintain the room but also protect employees from safety hazards. This can be a very challenging thing to do, but one that is extremely necessary.
The following short list has some of the things you need to consider when your business has the chance to enjoy a new office break room.
What to Have in It
Although some states force employers to provide their employees with a break room, they cannot tell them what to put in it. However, most employers will provide employees with the standard table and chair for them to be able to eat their lunch. Others may include additional items such as a television, radio, or even pool table so their employees can let truly relax. Although all these are great, they can also pose a few problems. Televisions may distract your employees and create an issue of them coming back on time. Radios can also cause some issues in the type of music that is being played. Some employees might even be offended by the language contained within some of those songs.
The Need to Clean
Break rooms are going to become dirty, no matter if you have a staff of teenagers or forty-somethings. Therefore, one of the most common issues employers face within their break room is having to keep it clean. The microwave becomes messier than other areas and often the site of spills. Almost all kinds of ants are attracted to spills. Therefore, it is crucial to either implement a rotating cleaning list that your employees can participate in or have strict guidelines of which areas your janitorial staff must concentrate on.
Security
Most break rooms don't have security cameras for privacy reasons, and thus, employers often need to get creative in the way they keep everyone safe. There have been horror stories of break rooms being used for drugs, sexual harassment, and much more. These types of issues can place an employer in legal hot water if not taken care of properly. A great way to allow visibility of the break room without having to place cameras is to remove any doors. Another great tool to utilize is the purchasing of lockers and locks so employees can feel safe keeping their belongings such as purses and cell phones in the break room.
Having and maintaining an office break room can be worrisome to many employers. After all, it’s just one more thing on your long to-do list. That being said, don’t try to go without it. Adhere to the list of tips above to create the perfect break room for your company’s needs.
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