According to architect Gilles Chaumier, most "employees think of the coffee break as a detail that's glossed over by the boss." How wrong they are. In light of recent studies that have helped to shed some light on the psychological importance of your late-afternoon cup of joe, everything down to the physical placement of the office lounge is relentlessly scrutinized.
For architects, it's always the same dilemma: the lounge shouldn't be placed too closely to the public entrance (we have to be able to make fun of a client around a cup of coffee, after all!), but it shouldn't be too close to the boss' office either. Deciding on the ideal location of the lounge as well as determining just exactly how inviting a coffee room should be are major decisions that are carefully considered before either building or moving into an office space. Just as a lounge that's too close to the boss' office might inhibit employees from talking openly, an area that's either too comfortable, or too far from the boss' view, may prove to be a little bit too relaxing for any company's own good.

Barbie, meet Ken

In these days of corporate mergers and acquisitions, the coffee break has never been more important. Not only does it allow you to become master of your own time, and feel that you're part of a community at work, but it offers an opportunity to ease the influx of new personnel.

Eating and drinking together has always presented a social occasion in which we have the opportunity to get to know each other, and the coffee break is no exception. Just as a group of strangers will comfortably mingle around the bar at a wedding, the coffee machine acts as a beehive of workplace activity. It's the perfect opportunity for Ken from accounting to meet Barbie from marketing. And what could take the edge off of a hard day at work any better than sharing a few smiles, a laugh, and a cup of joe with a friend?

1- Zen and the art of the coffee break

2- Location, location, location