If the kitchen is the heart of the home, consider that the break room is equally important in the life of your company’s “family.” Little things mean a lot, and there are a multitude of ways to show a sense of appreciation in your team’s central meeting spot – whether it’s a water cooler, a lunchroom or a conference-area coffee station.

Begin with the essentials. The napkins, paper cups and coffee stirrers that you stock in your break room can all be purchased in your corporate colors and imprinted with your logo and a message of appreciation for your employees. Wouldn’t it be nice every time they pick up a napkin to see a note of praise or motivation? Or, you could use these paper-goods to actively remind employees of quarterly goals. By doing so, you’ll be able to realize a return on investment in these simple essentials.

Treat your team to treats. Keep imprinted candy jars in areas where your staff congregates. They can be customized with clever messages – e.g., “Fuel a Creative Buzz” or “Sweet Treats for XYZ Company’s Sales Elite” or “Keep Customers ‘Sweet’ On Our Service.”

Plan quarterly theme days. Use your break room to stage special activities for your employees. For example, set up your water-cooler area during “March Madness” or before the Super Bowl for those inevitable pre- or post-game discussions. Use promotional products to suggest a “Blitz” break – employees can post game predictions or lament team losses on an imprinted tracking board. Set out imprinted water bottles so that staff can grab a drink and go. Use a pep rally sort of kick-off with imprinted post-it note pads urging staff to “Play Strong. Work Hard.” Even recognize an office MVP at the end of an event, i.e. identify the person who achieves the most work during the week.

Lastly, think about a few one-time investments in your break room to show employees they’re valued. Motivational posters customized with your company’s logo. Framed “Employee of the Month” plaques in which you can insert a new photo every four weeks. Ceramic mugs imprinted with your company logo and personalized for each employee.

Give me a call to talk about how to make your break room your employee-appreciation ally.