Hybrid working remains a contentious topic as many organisations continue to push for employees to return to the office. Finding ways to entice staff back into the workplace is an ongoing challenge, with the breakroom emerging as a key focus for many companies. From catering options and furniture to cleaning protocols and creative zones, every detail matters. Modern breakrooms now incorporate features such as libraries, fitness areas, games and social hubs – all designed to make the pace more inviting.
Well-designed breakrooms have evolved beyond just places to take a break. It’s where colleagues can relax, recharge, chat and even spark new ideas. Open to everyone, these areas often serve as the birthplace of friendships and can create a sense of unity among teams. They are also more than just somewhere to unwind; the breakroom embodies company culture, reflecting its commitment to employee wellbeing.
Research from office design and build specialists Peldon Rose reveals that 27% of UK workers desire breakout spaces with sofas, and 30% say these spaces would make them feel more comfortable in their office. Refreshments like snacks, coffee and soft drinks are top of the list for boosting productivity, with 37% citing their importance. Other popular features include plants (29%), personal storage (28%) and private kitchens (27%).
Investment ahead
Organisations are increasingly investing in the breakroom as a key component of the employee experience. Helena Hills, co-founder of TrueStart Coffee, anticipates an exciting year ahead for the breakroom and catering markets. “More employees are returning to the office, especially in the winter when heating costs make working from home less appealing,” she explains.
The sector is buoyant, with companies offering free drinks and snacks to encourage office attendance. However, Ryan Torrible, Operations Director at NWT FM Solutions, warns of potential challenges in 2025: “Inflation, transport disruptions and climate change are driving up the cost of a cup of coffee,” he states, but adds that the office catering tin remains excellent value when broken down per cup.
He says that while the industry has seen sluggish progress in new product development over the past year, bean-to-cup machines are increasingly in demand, driven by the growing focus on high-quality coffee. “Brands like Lavazza, Kimbo and Belgravia are now a familiar sight in many offices. Quality biscuits, particularly Border Biscuits and Walkers, have also proven extremely popular, but manufacturers have struggled to keep pace with demand.”
Hills emphasises that premium coffee plays a vital role in workplace interactions, contributing significantly to employee wellbeing and fostering collaboration in an inviting breakroom environment. “As a complete category partner, we work closely with clients to craft tailored coffee experiences that reflect their culture and energise their teams. This could be as simple as offering a premium instant coffee option or finding the ideal bean-to-cup machine,” she adds.
Of course, there’s no forgetting the nation’s favourite brew: tea. Market intelligence firm Mintel predicts that the UK tea market will experience modest growth, with sales expected to rise by 1.1% to £884 million between 2023 and 2028, despite a projected decline in volume sales. However, the organisation also highlights the necessity for tea brands to innovate and diversify to stay competitive amid growing challenges from coffee, soft drinks and foodservice options.
They say variety is the spice of life and Torrible is quick to agree: “One size doesn’t fit all. In 2024, NWT introduced over 400 catering lines to meet demand. Coffee beans, premium biscuits and healthy drinks are categories where we’ve seen triple-digit growth over the past year.”
An often-overlooked trend in the breakroom and catering industry is seasonality. Embracing flavours like cinnamon, salted caramel, pumpkin spice, ginger and nutmeg during autumn and winter, for example, can cater to changing tastes and drive additional sales.
Flexible solutions
Many companies are repurposing existing spaces to enhance functionality. The focus has shifted to creating spots that promote teamwork, relaxation and productivity. The furniture within these spaces plays a crucial role in their success.
Nicola Speers, General Manager at Dynamic Office Solutions, emphasises the growing requirement for multifunctional spaces: “Businesses are investing in areas for casual meetings, wellness pursuits and even small events. Biophilic design is gaining popularity, alongside amenities such as standing desks, yoga mats and healthy snack options.”
Dynamic has responded to the call for versatility and employee comfort, introducing modular seating that can be easily reconfigured for different group sizes and activities. It has also embraced smart technology, incorporating features like charging stations and built-in screens into its furniture.
Moreover, Dynamic tailors its solutions to meet the specific needs of each customer. As Speers explains: “We begin by assessing the unique culture and requirements of each organisation, conducting surveys to understand employee preferences and work styles.We also consider branding and aesthetics to ensure the breakroom reflects the company’s identity.”
Contract furniture supplier Tabilo understands the importance of fulfilling diverse budgets for successful breakroom upgrades. Marketing Coordinator Robert Thomas says the company is focused on supporting businesses without the resources for large, project-led fit-outs. “Our approach combines stocked furniture for quick turnaround with bespoke, modular options that can be customised to meet specific needs,” he explains.
“Customers can, for example, select exact frame sizes and shapes, choose from a variety of tabletop materials, and pick from hundreds of colour options for both tabletops and bases,” he adds.
Clean and green
Changing the breakroom into a bespoke, more homely and comfortable space – far removed from the stark, sterile and boring designs of the past – reflects post-pandemic trends. These include a growing preference for natural elements like plants, access to light and outdoor views, and an increased focus on creating cleaner, more hygienic environments.
This is supported by surveys conducted by SC Johnson Professional and others, which highlight the need for more frequent cleaning in workplaces, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. A YouGov survey commissioned by SC Johnson Professional in September 2022, involving over 5,000 people across France, Germany and the UK, found that nearly half (48%) believe hygiene standards in public spaces and workplaces fall short of expectations.
Additional research from SC Johnson Professional indicates that younger generations show a strong preference for well-known brands, with decision-makers often opting for cleaning products they use at home for the workplace. The vendor also reports that global hygiene product sales within hospitality settings are on the rise, reflecting a growing emphasis on cleanliness and brand familiarity.
Sustainability remains a priority in the breakroom sector, though Torrible notes a slight decline in demand for environmentally friendly products. “The category performs well if it’s cost-effective; however, paying a premium for these lines seems to be a step too far during times of high inflation. People now expect eco-friendly credentials from major brands, rather than just from niche, expensive ranges.”
Despite this, sustainability continues to be a strong differentiator for brands like TrueStart Coffee, which offers carbon-negative instant coffee and prioritises ethical sourcing and eco-friendly packaging. Says Hills: “Sustainability is at the core of TrueStart. As the only certified carbon-negative instant coffee, our clients particularly appreciate that we help them reduce their carbon footprint.
“You can really enhance the breakroom experience with brands like TrueStart Coffee – products that not only offer exceptional quality but also lead in sustainability credentials.”
One of the most significant changes in the catering and breakroom sectors has been the shift in food and drink packaging, from single-use plastic to more environmentally friendly materials. According to Mintel, seven out of ten UK consumers are concerned about food packaging waste ending up in the sea, landfill or local environments.
Recycling is also a major issue, with widespread confusion over which types of packaging are the most sustainable. For beverages, there are simple solutions to help reduce waste, such as using filtered water machines connected directly to the mains and opting for ice machines to eliminate plastic bags of ice.
The growing importance of the breakroom in the workplace presents a wealth of opportunities for dealers – ranging from full refurbishments and fit-outs to adding thoughtful extras like games, plants and sustainable options.
As Speers advises: “Dealers should focus on understanding a client’s specific needs and trends in employee engagement. Staying on top of the latest design and technology innovations can help set them apart. Moreover, emphasising ergonomics in breakroom furniture will resonate with businesses prioritising wellness. Building strong relationships with suppliers to offer a diverse range of products can also strengthen their value proposition.”
