After years of remote and hybrid work, many companies are bringing employees back to the office, whether full-time or a few days a week. And while leadership focuses on the big stuff (schedules, policies, desk assignments), there’s one space that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: the breakroom.
Employees who’ve spent years working from home have gotten used to certain comforts. Their own coffee. A fully stocked fridge. The freedom to grab a snack whenever they want without hunting for quarters or settling for stale vending machine chips.
Walking back into a sad, neglected breakroom doesn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat.
The Breakroom Sets a Tone
It might seem like a small thing, but the breakroom says a lot about how a company treats its people. A dingy microwave, a half-empty vending machine, and a coffee pot that’s been “brewing” since 9am? That sends a message, even if it’s not the one you intend.
On the flip side, a clean, well-stocked breakroom signals that the company pays attention to employee experience. It tells people that you thought about them. That you want them to be comfortable here.
For employees who are already ambivalent about returning to the office, these details matter more than you might think.
What Employees Got Used to at Home
Remote work raised the bar for everyday convenience. At home, people had access to good coffee (or at least their preferred coffee), fresh food in the fridge, and plenty of beverage options beyond whatever was in the vending machine.
They also had flexibility. Want a sparkling water at 10am and a cold brew at 2pm? No problem. Feel like a real lunch instead of a bag of pretzels? Easy.
The office doesn’t need to replicate someone’s home kitchen. But it shouldn’t feel like a downgrade either.
Simple Upgrades That Make a Difference
Getting your breakroom “return ready” doesn’t require a massive renovation. Often it’s about refreshing what’s already there and filling in a few gaps.
Coffee deserves attention. If you’re still running a basic drip coffee maker, it might be time to upgrade. Single-serve brewers, bean-to-cup machines, or a quality coffee service can make a real difference in daily satisfaction. It’s one of the first things employees notice.
Snacks should feel current. Vending machines with the same lineup from 2019 won’t cut it. Today’s employees expect healthier options, more variety, and better quality. Think protein bars, fresh fruit, sparkling water, and better-for-you chips alongside the classics.
Consider a micro market. These self-service, cashless setups have become popular for good reason. They offer more selection than traditional vending, feel more modern, and let employees grab what they actually want instead of just what fits in a vending slot.
Don’t forget the basics. Clean surfaces, working appliances, decent lighting, and a space that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Sometimes the fundamentals matter most.
It’s Part of the Bigger Picture
No one’s going to love coming back to the office just because of the snacks. But a thoughtful breakroom contributes to the overall experience. It’s a place where people take a mental break, connect with coworkers, and recharge for the afternoon.
Companies are spending a lot of energy figuring out how to make the return to office work. The breakroom won’t solve everything, but it’s a low-effort, high-visibility way to show employees that their comfort matters.
Before the next wave of return-to-office announcements, take a walk through your breakroom. Look at it through the eyes of someone who’s been working from home for years.
Does it feel like a place you’d want to spend time? If not, it might be time for a refresh.
