Breakout spaces: Designing inclusive zones for warehouse and office teams

The most effective breakout spaces incorporate distinct zones that serve different purposes without requiring separate rooms:

• Quiet corners: Semi-enclosed spaces with comfortable, individual seating where staff can genuinely disconnect. Office acoustic treatment, softer office lighting, and biophilic elements create environments conducive to mental restoration. Consider modular acoustic pods that provide visual and auditory privacy without permanent construction.
• Social hubs: More animated areas with larger tables, varied seating arrangements, and perhaps access to recreational and wellness spaces. These zones encourage workplace collaboration and team building across departments. In warehouse settings, consider bar-height tables that accommodate staff who prefer not to sit after physical work.
• Recharge zones: Spaces specifically designed for brief periods of active recovery might include standing-height surfaces, stretching areas, or access to outdoor spaces. For warehouse teams, providing areas for brief physical movement or stretching exercises can prevent injury and improve overall wellbeing.

When your facility houses both warehouse operations and office functions, your breakout space strategy needs to work for everyone. The key is creating environments that accommodate different needs without segregating teams. 

Material and durability considerations

Shared spaces need to balance comfort with practicality: 

• Commercial-grade, easy-to-clean surfaces that withstand frequent use and potential exposure to work materials
• Durable upholstery fabrics with high abrasion resistance and straightforward maintenance requirements
• Impact-resistant materials for high-traffic areas where equipment or materials might occasionally make contact
• Weather-resistant options for semi-outdoor breakout zones that provide fresh air access 

Seating that works for different needs 

Furniture selection for combined environments requires thoughtful variety 

• Supportive seating that works for physical recovery (warehouse staff) and postural variation (office staff) 
• Mixed seating heights including standard chairs, bar-height stools, and soft seating—warehouse operatives often prefer not to sit after physical work, whilst office workers need alternatives to desk chairs 
• Varied comfort levels from firm support to softer options, accommodating different body types and preferences across all roles 
• Communal and individual options recognising that both warehouse and office staff sometimes want social breaks and sometimes need solitude 

Flexible layouts for evolving needs 

Organisations change, and breakout spaces must adapt: 

• Modular furniture systems that can be reconfigured as team sizes or preferences evolve 
• Adaptable technology infrastructure allowing easy updates without major reconstruction 
• Multi-purpose zones that serve different functions throughout the day or across different shifts 
• Scalable design approaches that can expand as organisations grow