Tea and Productivity: Creating Relaxation Areas in Offices

Across a range of cultures and industries, taking a break for a cup of tea has long been a daily ritual that can bring a sense of quiet, or effectively bring people together. These short pauses of reflection provide natural opportunities for social interaction, helping to build stronger relationships and improve team collaboration. At Adapt, our community thrives on these organic interactions, where we see the importance of building strong relationships in the workplace firsthand.

However, it’s not just about bonding. Stepping away from your desk, even briefly, can work wonders for your mental wellbeing. A freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee can offer you a moment to fully switch off from work, reset and re-centre. By clearing your head after a busy day or simply taking a much-needed breath, these mindful moments can enable you to return to work with clarity and calm.

Creating dedicated areas for rest and recharging can make a huge difference to how our members experience their workday. However, the most valuable spaces are those that feel purposely welcoming – from soft lighting and comfortable, cosy seating, to the use of natural elements like indoor plants. These considered design choices have a real impact on the mood and performance of our members, something we explore further in the psychology of workspace design.

At the heart of our social spaces, our central tea and coffee station can serve as gentle reminder to pause. Whether our members choose a traditional breakfast tea or a comforting herbal blend, our well-placed tea point encourages regular breaks. Here at Adapt, we believe that finding joy in work is ultimately much more than the task at hand, but it is about building environments that support balance and wellbeing.

Surrounded by 50 acres of scenic parkland, our strategic location naturally lends itself to enabling our members to relax, unwind and maintain productive. Members can take a leisurely walk by the tranquil river between meetings or relax with a cup of tea in a sunny corner – simply, regular movement and downtime can improve performance – we see it every day!

Investing in relaxation spaces is not just about making your office look presentable! It’s about protecting the risk of burnout for our members. Regular breaks in comfortable zones can lower stress levels and help our members feel more grounded during the workday. If you’re looking for signs that it might be time to pause, or feel a coworker may be struggling with burnout, here’s a quick guide on how to spot the signs of mental health concerns in the workplace.

When people take short, mindful breaks, both their focus and overall performance levels improve. Additionally, informal areas where colleagues can chat can cultivate a culture rooted in both community and care.

Even making small changes to your working area can have a big impact. Identify a quiet nook or underused corner that could be transformed into a calming spot for solo work or relaxation. You don’t need a huge budget, as soft furnishings, natural textures and warm lighting go a long way!

Getting your team or coworking members involved can also make all the difference. Ask what they’d like to see in a relaxation space and listen to their ideas. This sense of ownership can boost morale, as well as boost their performance. It’s one of the many reasons co-workers thrive at Adapt, and why collaboration and connection are so valuable to our members.

Tea breaks and relaxation zones are significant tools that can result in better workplaces. In fact, for many of our members, they’re a cornerstone of success. As businesses rethink how their offices function, explore how coworking can support networking and wellbeing and note how such small changes can lead to long-term benefits.

If you’re ready to transform your workspace into a place that emphasises both focus and calm, we’d love to help. Discover how Adapt by ARC can support your team’s wellbeing, creativity and success.

Get in touch today to learn more about our flexible, human-centred solutions.