Top 10 Workplace Areas

By Nai Kanell
Director of Marketing
SpaceIQ

We canvassed our customers—from small software companies to global enterprises—to find the top 10 workplace areas where employees can relax, have fun, or spend time with their kids (both the human and furry variety). How does your business stack up?

Parent Rooms

The Parenting in the Workplace Institute estimates there are more than 200 U.S. businesses that allow working parents to bring their babies to work. Parent rooms (formerly called mother’s or nursing/lactation rooms) offer quiet, private spaces for breastfeeding, diaper changes, or bonding—for both Mom and Dad.

Locker Rooms / Showers

Companies know health-conscious employees like to sneak in a workout over lunch. Providing showers and secure lockers is becoming a common practice. But employers should follow the lead of athletic organizations when it comes to safety and cleanliness.

All Gender Restrooms

A 2017 study by Yelp revealed that 160,000-plus businesses in the U.S. offer gender-neutral bathrooms to employees, visitors, and patrons. Gendered restrooms are still the norm, but human resource professionals say eliminating men- and women-only designations can benefit a company’s brand and strengthen its talent pool.

Game Rooms

Jack Nicholson’s character in “The Shining”  wasn’t the only one to believe “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Companies of all types and sizes offer ping-pong, foosball, and video games as outlets for hard-working employees. But “fun” elements should align with business values to strengthen talent retention and boost employee morale.

Wellness / Yoga Rooms

Sometimes the burden of day-to-day work gets to you. Escaping to a quiet place is just the ticket. Wellness rooms staged with recliners, couches, plants, water features, and comfort items give employees privacy to decompress. Coupled with on-site yoga classes, employees can find the zen they need to make it to five o’clock.

Cafés

A study by Sodexo showed that more than 70% of employees believe food is a “critical workplace amenity.” Companies with enough space are moving toward on-site cafés where workers can choose from multiple options of snacks, drinks, and entrées.

Bike Rooms

The American Community Survey estimates 872,000 people (0.6% of all U.S. workers) ride their bike to work. Typically, riders have to store their bikes in their office or cube, or find an out-of-the-way place. Many businesses are now offering in-office racks or designated rooms for storage.

Gyms

There’s a ton of reasons businesses should build on-site gyms for employee use. Exercise reduces stress and absenteeism. Active workers get better sleep and are more motivated because of it. And no CFO will shun the health care costs saved by having healthier employees.

Libraries

Believe it or not, people still read books. At least they should…especially in the office. Workplace author Erika Hall believes giving employees access to a variety of books boosts underrepresentation of lesser-known perspectives. Most importantly, books nourish workers’ minds.

Pet Rooms/Areas

The emotional and mental benefits of having a furry friend around are well-known. And many businesses are realizing that allowing pets in the office reduces employee worry about their pup’s well-being. Amazon, Ben & Jerry’s, and TripAdvisor are considered three of the most pet-friendly companies.

Keep reading: Increase Workplace Productivity By Relying On Your Senses