How to Get the Most Out of a Lunch + Games Break Room Setup

Imagine walking into your office break room—not to a sterile space with microwaves and mismatched chairs—but to an energized, branded oasis filled with fun, creativity, and collaboration. A well-designed lunch + games room can boost employee morale, promote interdepartmental connection, and even support your brand culture. But it’s not just about tossing a cornhole board in the corner and calling it a day. Let’s break down how to create an engaging break room that truly works for your team and your brand.

Why a Games-Enhanced Break Room Matters

Today’s workplace is about more than productivity—it’s about creating an environment that supports mental wellness, social interaction, and creative problem-solving. A break room stocked with interactive games encourages healthy breaks, sparks collaboration, and becomes a low-pressure spot for big ideas to surface.

According to a recent report by Gallup, engaged employees show 21% greater profitability. One key to engagement? Creating space for organic team bonding and mental recharge—two things a well-equipped break room delivers.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up an Effective Lunch + Games Space

1. Define the Purpose and Culture You Want to Promote

Start by asking: What do you want this space to say about your company? A tech startup might lean into a high-energy, arcade-style layout. A creative agency may prefer relaxed, lounge-like seating with curated tabletop games. A promotional products brand might feature branded games that double as client demos.

2. Choose Games That Spark Connection

• Topple Tower: Perfect for casual play and great for team challenges.
• Mini Basketball Hoop: A great solo stress-reliever or two-player tournament option.
• Chiphole: An ideal choice for creative agencies and sales teams alike—challenging and unique.
• Hook and Ring Game: Small footprint, high replay value.
• Desktop Curling: Promotes friendly competition without taking up floor space.

3. Incorporate Branding with Intention

Don’t miss the opportunity to make your break room an extension of your brand identity. Add logos to game pieces, print your mission statement on the wall, or use brand colors for seating. The branded Adirondack chair and all-weather cornhole are both functional and visually striking additions.

4. Balance Seating and Activity Zones

Designate distinct areas: one for eating, one for gaming, and perhaps a quiet nook for solo recharge. Think of it as creating a multi-use lounge. Include:

• Tables with games like dartboards or limbo
• Soft seating for decompressing
• Storage options for keeping the area tidy

5. Refresh the Game Selection Often

Keep the energy high by rotating or introducing new games every few months. Explore new game arrivals to keep the vibe fresh and exciting.

Real-World Example: The Productivity Boost from Branded Game Zones

One marketing firm outfitted their lunchroom with a branded can-shaped cornhole, custom pickleball paddles, and a sleek bottle gift box displayed to honor top employees. Within weeks, management reported a measurable improvement in cross-team collaboration and fewer reported stress incidents during high-volume project cycles.

Tips for Maximizing Engagement

• Host Mini-Tournaments: Create simple brackets or leaderboards for a weekly “Game Champion.”
• Theme It: Holidays? Tailgate season? Align your setup with fun seasonal updates using ideas from tailgate-ready games.
• Solicit Feedback: Use a whiteboard or QR code for team input on what to add or change.
• Incentivize Use: Tie game participation to rewards—company swag, free lunch, or shout-outs.

Boosting ROI Through Game-Focused Culture

These aren’t just toys—they’re tools. They reduce burnout, encourage interpersonal communication, and act as conversation-starters with clients visiting your space. Branded game areas also help reinforce your values through daily, tangible interaction.

Need to justify the budget? Consider this: The cost of a branded game setup is far less than the cost of losing a top-performing team member due to burnout or disengagement. Dealer loader items and incentive kits can also serve dual purposes—internal use and external marketing.

Ready to Build Yours?

Designing your break room to include games and branded elements isn’t just about fun—it’s about elevating your workplace culture and supporting long-term team success. Whether you’re revamping an existing space or starting from scratch, the right strategy makes all the difference.

Browse game and branding ideas at PromoToss, or explore specific categories like indoor, outdoor-tailgate, or downloads for templates and branding guides. Questions? Contact us today to bring your break room to life.

Let’s Hear From You

What’s your favorite office game? Have a unique setup you’re proud of? Drop a comment below or reach out—we’d love to feature your space in an upcoming post.