Meditation rooms are becoming increasingly popular in workplaces as more companies realize the benefits of providing employees a quiet space for mindfulness and reflection. Introducing a meditation room shows that a company values the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce. But what exactly should you put in a meditation room to create a calming environment optimized for focus and clarity? This article explores how to design and furnish a meditation room at work.
Provide Seating Options
The most basic requirement for a meditation space is comfortable seating. The options can include:
| Meditation cushions | Traditional round cushions used for sitting cross-legged or kneeling |
| Folding chairs | For those who prefer or need to sit in a chair |
| Bean bag chairs | Informal, comfortable seating |
| Yoga mats | For lying down or doing gentle stretches |
Having an assortment allows employees to choose the seated position that works best for them. Providing back jack cushions, supportive pillows and blankets also enhances comfort. The room should have enough space to accommodate the seating options with open floor room for users to move around.
Create a Calm Atmosphere
The ambiance of the meditation room significantly impacts the experience. Aim for a quiet, tranquil vibe using these elements:
| Soft lighting | Overhead lighting can be harsh. Use lamps or install dimmers. Candles also create a soothing glow. |
| Comfortable temperature | Make sure the room doesn’t get too hot or cold. Provide blankets if needed. |
| Pleasant scents | Natural aromas like lavender or eucalyptus can promote relaxation. |
| Noise buffering | Provide white noise or soft music to dampen outside sounds. |
| Positive décor | Incorporate items like plants, water features, artwork or inspiration boards. |
The goal is a quiet sanctuary where employees can decompress and refocus.
Supply Useful Amenities
Once the basics of seating and atmosphere are handled, stock the meditation room with useful tools and supplies, such as:
| Yoga props | Items like blocks and straps allow for more yoga poses |
| Meditation timers | Help users keep track of time during sessions |
| Essential oil diffuser | Release calming aromas into the air |
| Tissues/water | Useful to have on hand before and after meditating |
| Mirror | Helpful for checking alignment and posture |
| Storage cabinet | For supplies, furniture and personal items |
Also provide resources like meditation guides, yoga pose illustrations or audio tracks users can follow. Having these amenities enhances the space and removes obstacles to practicing mindfulness.
Encourage Personal Touches
While creating a soothing base environment, allow employees to make the meditation room their own. Encourage personal touches like:
– Photos, art, decor items from home to inspire them
– Journaling and art supplies for reflection
– Their own pillows, blankets or cushions
– Small shelf to display special mementos
Giving users ownership over the room makes it more welcoming and meaningful. Allow room personalization while maintaining order and shared use.
Establish Usage Guidelines
To keep the meditation space running smoothly, provide clear guidelines on room use, for example:
| – Sign up schedule | Allows employees to reserve time in the room |
| – Limit duration | Example: 1 hour max so others can use it |
| – Remove shoes | Keeps floor clean for sitting |
| – Clean up after use | Put furnishings/items back neatly |
| – Respect quiet | No loud noises that disrupt others |
| – No digital devices | Phones/laptops interfere with mindfulness |
Guidelines allow for shared use while protecting the space. Post signs or handouts reminding users to follow rules.
Promote Room Availability
To maximize use of the company’s investment, employees need to know the meditation room exists! Promote through:
– Emails announcing the new space
– Signs and posters around the office
– Listing in the company handbook/intranet
– Word of mouth and manager recommendations
– Wellness program/activities calendars
– New hire orientation training
Raise consistent awareness so all employees feel welcomed and encouraged to utilize the room.
Respect All Faiths
While often associated with Eastern traditions, meditation is universally beneficial. Be mindful that employees come from diverse faith backgrounds. Keep the room inclusive by:
– Not aligning it with any single tradition.
– Allowing items that represent an employee’s faith, within reason.
– Providing storage for religious objects not on permanent display.
– Inviting input to enhance inclusiveness.
This fosters an accepting environment where all can use the space comfortability.
Consider Outside Resources
For guidance designing a meditation room, consider outside resources like:
| Meditation consultants | Experts who can advise on setup |
| Local meditation centers | May offer ideas, furnishings to borrow |
| Wellness companies | Vendors selling equipment, supplies |
| Yoga studios | Could hold onsite classes before/after work |
| Co-op partnerships | Share costs of space with nearby companies |
Leveraging outside help ensures an accessible, appealing breakroom for employees.
Measure Room Usage
To gauge effectiveness, track meditation room metrics like:
– Reservation frequency and total visits
– Employee feedback surveys on the space
– Participation levels in optional offerings like yoga
– Wellness program engagement since the room opened
Usage data helps justify the expense and reveal opportunities for improvement.
Make Adjustments as Needed
After the meditation room launches, be willing to fine-tune the space. Solicit user feedback on what’s working and what could be better. Make changes such as:
– Adding requested amenities
– Changing schedule if under/overbooked
– Moving location if foot traffic is too high
– experimenting with new ambiance strategies
– Rearranging layout to improve flow
Adapt to evolving employee needs to provide the greatest value over time.
Conclusion
Creating a dedicated meditation room demonstrates an organization’s commitment to community health, while providing real benefits for focus and resilience. By furnishing the space appropriately, promoting availability, establishing ground rules, and making ongoing enhancements, companies can provide an invaluable oasis where employees can calm their minds and strengthen their purpose. A thoughtfully appointed and maintained meditation room is an investment that will repay itself many times over in terms of happier, more empowered and productive employees.
