4 Factors to Consider When Looking for Canteen Furniture
When it comes to the decoration and furnishing of a canteen, you have to keep in mind that it is not just about food. While the main purpose of the canteen is to provide food for employees, students or patients, it goes well beyond the scope of just providing food. Many organisations tend to miss how important the overall look and feel is in a canteen, and how the patrons relate to this environment.
Studies show that a wholesome, modern, welcoming and clean canteen environment contributes to the enjoyment of being in the canteen. Consider a canteen as if it is a restaurant, and you will realise that it is just as important in a canteen as it is in a restaurant to have a welcoming atmosphere and an enjoyable ambience. While clean conditions are clearly needed, nobody wants to eat in a room that feels like a clinic, and there are many things you have to consider when looking for canteen furniture for your office or establishment.
- Comfort: Nobody can enjoy a meal or a conversation when sitting uncomfortably, and it can provide a negative effect on the overall enjoyment of the experience of being in the canteen. Employees may even feel less productive after a stint in an uncomfortable canteen chair. It is therefore important that chairs are comfortable, that the table is at the correct height and big enough to eat comfortably, and that other pieces of furniture contribute to the comfort of the patron.
Variety is also necessary – there should be a mix between comfortable chairs where patrons may just sit to rest and take a break, and canteen chairs at tables to provide an eating space. It is recommended that chairs with a comfortable back rest are provided, and that there are different types and sizes of chairs for patrons to choose from. There is really no one-size-fits-all approach, and not everybody will feel comfortable in the same type of chair, so it helps to give patrons a choice to use the chair that is most comfortable for their body type or individual needs.
- Socialisation: Because a canteen is a space in which patrons can socialise during their breaks, the atmosphere and furniture have to be conducive to socialising. Round tables tend to make interaction easier, while tables that are too small will limit the amount of people that can comfortably eat together. It is advisable to have larger tables, in order to encourage different groups of people to enjoy a meal together, and to perhaps even form new relationships and friendships across departments. This helps to improve communication within the company, and provides a better support structure for employees – all due to the canteen furniture.
- Mess: In addition to tables and chairs, it is vital to have the necessary amount of waste binds positioned around the canteen. This can also be very useful when it comes to recycling and the separation of waste. Clearly marked waste binds can help to separate glass, organic matter and plastic, which is more environmentally friendly. Having separate bins in a canteen can also make patrons more conscious of the importance of recycling, and encourage them to do this at home. Having enough bins helps to keep the canteen clean, as rubbish is disposed of immediately.
- Safety: Often, there are spillages on the canteen floor and it is vital that people don’t slip and fall when the floor is wet. It could be useful to have separate mats for wet spots, or to grade the floor with a non-slip surface, in order to avoid accidents.
If you are looking for canteen furniture that will enhance the dining experience of your employees, come to Quantum Office Furniture. We have a wide variety of canteen furniture available in all shapes, sizes and colours, and you will certainly find what you are looking for in our showroom. Contact us today to find out more.
