place where they work. They are part of the solution. Nurses, for example, understand the daily workflow. They can


advise on where the staff needs a spot to touch down with their laptops to chart resident information.


Breakrooms first Where to start? The breakroom. Owners, operators, and designers are putting more thought into


the design of breakrooms. More square footage is being devoted to the space though rising construction costs are a hurdle. “We want employees to have a great place where they can


retreat for a break,” says Will at Belmont Village. Breakroom space at the Belmont properties is highly amenitized with comfortable seating, and tables and chairs. There are plenty of places to plug in and recharge or jump online. Kitchen areas have ample counter space for microwaves, coffee


makers, and all the other extras that would be included in an eye- catching contemporary bistro for residents. Belmont breakrooms, where possible, are conveniently located near where workers enter and exit the building. Designers are borrowing ideas for breakrooms from other set-


tings, such as contemporary office spaces and higher education buildings. These spaces offer a variety of options for the users, depending on how the user wants to spend their time. “The breakroom is not a singular space,” says Hillary DeGroff,


associate principal at Perkins Eastman, an architecture firm with a specialty in senior living. Instead, she describes the breakroom as a place that supports what workers want to do when they have an hour off between shifts. “It’s not always sitting at a café table eating and socializing,” says DeGroff. A well-designed breakroom will accommodate different activities.


An open café and kitchenette can be combined with a lounge, ac- cording to DeGroff. Smaller spaces within the breakroom, either off to the side, or in more secluded spots can serve as private places where workers can make phone calls, log onto a computer for online training, or just sit and relax with a book. A small wellness area could serve as a quiet place to decompress or meditate for 20 minutes. Natural light is vital. For too long, workers have had to take their


breaks in windowless rooms with fluorescent lighting, sources say. Ideally, breakrooms should not be located in the basement or next to the loading dock. Big windows help boost moods. The pandemic also highlighted the need for good ventilation and access to the outdoors. Designers are giving workers their own outdoor space, if possible, usually adjacent to the breakroom. It could be something as simple as a small patio or terrace, or access to the community’s walking trails. Designers and providers are paying attention to breakroom


paint colors and finishes, too. How a space feels can make a big difference in employee performance, designers say. During COVID, workers needed safe place to change and wash


up. Newer breakrooms include a shower room and lockers, or a place to put personal belongings. Breakrooms are also another opportunity to connect with the staff and reinforce company culture.


“We have to attract workers to senior living. We need to make workers feel appreciated.” —Gaurie Rodman


A client of architectural firm Perkins Eastman hired a muralist


to paint a scene in the breakroom celebrating Hispanic culture. The caregiving team is primarily Hispanic. “The building owner wanted to celebrate that and make a connection point,” says DeGroff. “It’s a small element but it shows how the client was thinking about this from different angles.” Biophilic design can improve breakrooms, according to Gaurie


Rodman, senior director of real estate, strategy and development, at Direct Supply Aptura, Milwaukee, Wis. Biophilic design con- nects the occupants of a building to the natural environment. The design incorporates plantings, natural light, and views of the outdoors to provide a multisensory experience. Research shows that multisensory environments help boost


worker productivity and reduce boredom. Think of the difference between a bare cubicle and a work environment with natural light, a variety of materials such as brick and wood. People tend to focus better in stimulating environments. “We have to attract workers to senior living,” says Rodman,


noting that caregivers have a psychologically tough job and the right design elements can help support them. “We need to make workers feel appreciated.”


Inclusive designs Beyond the breakroom, designers are thinking about how to create spaces that both residents and employees can enjoy. Oakwood Village in Madison, Wis., has two campuses.


The University Woods location includes a new building with 60 one-bedroom suites for short term rehab and skilled nurs- ing residents. The building also features an expansive reha- bilitation gym, bistro, pharmacy, and other amenities serving the whole campus. A meditation space is located between the entrance and hospice


wing of the new building to give residents, families, and employees dedicated space for quiet reflection or prayer. Spaces like these can foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for employees of varying backgrounds. The entrance area amenities, such as the bistro, library, lounge,


and patio are open to residents, families, visitors, and staff. Work- ers also have access to the walking trails on the campus. “The deliberate intent is to make the design more inclusive,” says Schindhelm at EUA. Some communities are opening amenity space meant for


residents to workers. Employees might have access to the fitness center or pool. Blending resident and employee space could help


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 ARGENTUM.ORG 11


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