The kitchen is the heart of a house, and the kitchen in a modern office is the center of corporate life. It serves as a place for informal communication between employees and is essential for team building. Designers play a crucial role in making the kitchen a hub for the integration and unification of the team, which in turn improves team cooperation and productivity. A well-designed kitchen is one of the factors that contribute to the cohesion and efficiency of the team. As one of the most frequently visited places in the office, the kitchen has great potential that should be fully utilized.
Perfect kitchen in a modern office
The modern kitchen has evolved from a utilitarian eating place to a center of regeneration and interaction. Designers often aim to create a visual contrast with the work environment. Small elements help to switch attention to observe the surrounding objects. As soon as an employee enters such a kitchen, their state of attention changes from directed to random. This allows for refocusing and increases work efficiency. An atmospheric cafe where you don’t need to reserve a table in advance is the impression that a modern office kitchen evokes. You should definitely include plant compositions in its interior, of course, if the lighting conditions are favorable. Plants create comfort and have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of employees. This, in turn, helps to increase their productivity.
The modern kitchen has evolved from a utilitarian eating place to a center of regeneration and interaction. Designers often aim to create a visual contrast with the work environment. Small elements help to switch attention to observe the surrounding objects. As soon as an employee enters such a kitchen, their state of attention changes from directed to random, allowing for refocusing and increased work efficiency. An atmospheric cafe where you don’t need to reserve a table in advance is the impression that a modern office kitchen evokes. Plants create comfort and have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of employees, thereby increasing their productivity.
A multifunctional kitchen in the office can save employees time. When the kitchen has everything necessary to prepare a quick meal, employees can avoid having to go out to a café. A kitchen equipped with a bar is another aspect of a comfortable corporate life. More and more often, a bar is being set up as a separate area of the office where employees can socialize and discuss work matters over a cocktail.
The kitchen is often located in the inner core of a space without windows. Therefore, a combination of focused and diffused lighting is the best choice. Soft lighting is suitable for the eating area, while more intense lighting is needed in the cooking areas. Occupancy sensors are a smart and energy-efficient solution for lighting the dining area. They are often confused with motion detectors, but they are different systems. Motion sensors are used to turn on the lights for a short time when an object is moving within the coverage area. In contrast, occupancy sensors are triggered when a person appears and do not turn off until they leave the coverage area. Presence control indicators are best suited for kitchens since employees in this area do not always move around enough to trigger motion detectors. Bold decorative lighting elements are also appropriate in the kitchen since they help to refocus attention. These can be fancy accent lamps or even art objects, depending on the overall idea and design.
Acoustic comfort and soundproofing are crucial aspects that must be carefully considered in the kitchen area. Loud noises from the kitchen, such as laughter or the sound of the microwave, should not reach the work area, and the kitchen itself should be shielded from outside disturbances. To achieve this, high-quality soundproofing materials are used in the enclosing structures.
It is essential to pay attention to the selection of user-friendly materials and reliable equipment. Choosing a floor covering that does not require additional cleaning and surfaces that are easy to maintain can optimize the office’s operating budget in the long run. Additionally, using reliable equipment that can withstand intensive use is also critical.
Custom kitchen furniture is becoming increasingly popular. After all, furniture made to order to meet the needs of a particular company fits all the criteria for the comfort of its team. The modern kitchen is equipped with innovative appliances for food preparation. Multifunctional and smart kitchen appliances and the latest gadgets will be appreciated by employees who care about their own health. For instance, a hydroponic system for growing greens or a dehydrator in the office kitchen can be great additions to promote healthy eating habits among employees.
Keeping up with the times and creating a community of sustainable people, more and more companies are taking care of the planet’s resources. Therefore, equipping office kitchens with waste sorting and composting stations is a relevant solution that helps to take care of the environment. Such awareness is an additional advantage for a company among other prospective progressive candidates who have not yet made their final choice.
A kitchen that is equipped with features to ensure maximum comfort of employees makes them more productive. It also attracts promising and ambitious candidates and helps to strengthen the corporate culture and community of like-minded people. Therefore, business performance depends not only on workspaces where work is in full swing but also, of course, on the place of rejuvenation, energy, reboot, and rest – the kitchen.