Good help is hard to find. We’ve heard this quote for years, however many employers agree that it rings true more now than ever before. With this in mind, it only makes sense that when a company finds a high quality employee they should do everything in their power to hold on to them. Although salaries and other compensation packages go a long way in keeping personnel happy, there are other fairly simple steps that a business can take to “lock up” their cherished talent.

Many mid to large sized companies have found that providing a comfortable, fully functional breakroom goes a long way in making employees feel appreciated, making it more likely for them to stay in their current position.

The primary function of an effective breakroom is to provide employees with a safe, clean place where they can temporarily disengage from the daily grind and recharge without leaving the facility. Studies show that brief interruptions in work throughout the day can not only prevent employee “burnout”, but can also provide a fresh perspective that ultimately improves their overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Having a comfortable place to gather can also help to build strong, work-appropriate relationships that result in a more cohesive, collaborative team. Research has shown as much as a 15% increase in productivity in workplaces where employees are encouraged to congregate, claiming that familiarity with one another significantly improves their ability to work together for a common goal.

The best part is, it doesn’t take a fortune to provide an effective environment for people to eat and share ideas. One of the basic tenets of such a space is inexpensive and simple: coffee. This magical beverage has been helping people start their day since the Boston Tea Party in 1773, when coffee became a more patriotic choice than tea. This staple for many actually has productivity benefits, since caffeine increases attention spans, improves focus, and boosts mental energy so employees can stay sharp throughout the work day while feeling rewarded.

All you need is a brewer capable of keeping up with the demand, the preferred brand(s) of grounds, cups designed for hot beverages such as PerfectTouch insulated hot cups and a collection of sweeteners and creamers that allow people to make whatever that perfect cup of joe is to them. For those who don’t care for coffee, I recommend also providing a few other warm beverage options so no one feels left out. One increasingly popular option among offices is a brewer that can make a variety of individualized beverages quickly, like the Keurig Brewing System. With hundreds of coffee flavors and other beverages available in the K-cup platform, Keurig has become the preferred way to meet the diverse preferences of your staff.

Since the most common use of a breakroom is the preparation and consumption of food, it can also go a long way in showing that you value your employees by providing them with useful amenities such as plates, bowls, tableware and napkins. This gesture shows appreciation to team members by adding a layer of convenience to their everyday routine. Another added benefit to providing these materials is that more people will take their lunches at your facility, rather than leaving for lunch with the possibility of taking longer lunches than needed.

By making the small investment of establishing a fully functional breakroom you can see many benefits, from increased employee satisfaction to a significant rise in productivity. Employers truly interested in retaining their talent would do well to make these and other small changes to their work environment if they are not currently doing so. You’ll be surprised how much return can be gained from showing your appreciation.