What do HR Experts Say?

RE: Would a break room smoothie blender help improve work moral and also productivity? Please give your opinion
March 4, 2009
Thomas F. Fox - www.tffox.com
Linked:HR (#1 Human Resources Group)

I don't see why this break room concept would not be a good idea as it could increase communications on a casual basis and could help to create an environment of collaboration which previously did not exist. Create a clever name, ie: Smoothie Cafe. Why not try it on a trial basis letting the staff members know it is temporary unless it was found to increase collaboration and proved to enhance community. It could be measured by all by acknowledging ideas or results created in the break room by posting them on an intranet site, or by sharing these weekly in meetings, or charge someone to be the "manager" or rotating member of the Smoothie Cafe who would be responsible for sharing. If it did not generate what was desired, offer to the group to come up with a better idea. Or first, survey the staff asking if they think it would be a good idea, and why, and to help set up desired expectations or results. Good luck, let me know what comes of it! Thanks, Greg

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RE: Would a break room smoothie blender help improve work moral and also productivity? Please give your opinion Jeff Youngs
March 5, 2009
Thomas F. Fox - www.tffox.com
Executive Suite

On 03/05/09 9:11 AM, Jeff Youngs wrote:
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I like the idea of spending as very small amount on break room healthy snacks.  Blenders take time to use and I think it has the potential of becoming a time vacuum.

On 3/4/09 7:35 PM, Thomas F. Fox - www.tffox.com asked:
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Thomas Fox answered to Jeff Youngs:

Thanks for your comment. So you as a leader, would you rather see less employees mingle in your break rooms? Are you giving them their mandated break? Huu...running a tight ship? And relationship building and living happy and healthy, is that important? Thanks. I can appreciate your points. It is true that people need to be disciplined with their break time. By the way, these blenders make a smoothie in 10 to 15 seconds.

Best Wishes

Thomas