Create a Welcoming Atmosphere With These 6 Break Room Supplies

Make your space more inviting

According to the Harvard Business Review, taking breaks during the workday can rejuvenate energy and prevent burnout. Breaks can come in many forms—a snack, a stretch or a chat with a coworker—but it can be tough to encourage employees to step away from their desks. 

A well-stocked and inviting break room can make it easier for your workers to take care of themselves by taking a few moments to relax and recharge. Here are some supplies that can make your break room more welcoming.

1. A coffee maker, snacks & drinks

A trip to the local barista is nice, but it’s so much more convenient to hit up the coffee machine in the break room, especially if it comes with a variety of creamers.  

Coffee is a break room staple, but don’t stop there. Tea, sports drinks and soda are other ways to help your employees get their caffeine fix, but don’t neglect anyone looking for a calmer sip. Pick up some juice, sparkling water and flavored seltzers, too.

Outside of the fridge, healthy food items like protein and granola bars are fantastic options for powering through the afternoon. For something more indulgent, there’s always chips and candy.

2. Refrigerator & microwave

Whether it’s a full meal or just a snack, your staff is going to want to eat at the office sometimes, so help them out with a refrigerator and microwave. They can stash their lunch, keep drinks cold or enjoy some afternoon popcorn—just the break they need to recharge and refocus.

Keeping a roll of masking tape and a marker nearby allows employees to put their names on their own items so someone else doesn’t mistakenly take it as their own. Distinguishing labels can also separate between an employee’s items and the office’s shared items, such as a pack of sports drinks or protein bars. This way, there’s less confusion about what belongs to whom.

3. Television & game console

If your office space is large enough that a little break room noise won’t be disruptive, consider adding a TV. Relaxing can give employees a mental break that helps them be more productive when they get back to their desks. 

Adding a game console to the break room can be a fun way for teams to bond. Some friendly competition can go a long way toward interoffice harmony.

4. Tabletop games & activities

Speaking of games, you can also incorporate tabletop games and physical activities as great break room supplies. Having a regular deck of playing cards for games like blackjack or a deck of UNO cards can provide short moments of fun and won’t squeeze your budget.

You can also splurge on more expensive activities such as mini basketball hoops, air hockey tables and table tennis tables. Getting in some physical activity is a great way to become energized again after sitting down for long hours.

5. Plants & greenery

Plants can make your break room feel like a mini oasis. Studies have shown that placing plants in the workplace can result in greater satisfaction and fewer health complaints.  Plants also take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, keeping the break room smelling fresh.

It’s also just comforting to have something vibrant and living in an office setting. Employees can take a moment to sit around something organic and find their calm after being surrounded by computers all day.

6. Cleaning supplies

Keeping the break room clean is one of the most important aspects of making it feel warm and friendly. Throwing away trash and pushing in chairs shows respect for your fellow coworkers and makes others want to enter the break room to relax.

Items such as paper towels also make for great break room supplies in case any spills happen. If the break room has a sink or kitchen in it, then it’s important to wash utensils, tableware and other items to keep the area clean.

Make Walmart Business your partner for break room supplies

Giving your employees a comfortable, welcoming place to relax is an important part of helping them stay happy and productive. Walmart Business can help you get what you need to achieve the perfect balance of fun and functional. Upgrade to a Walmart Business+ membership for free shipping,¹ free delivery from store on orders over $35² and 2% rewards for purchases over $250.³ It can add up to over $500 in savings a year!⁴ Learn more here.

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Restrictions apply. 

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).