Work makes plenty of demands on your mind. Between focused tasks and collaborative meetings, stepping away from your desk is an essential part of looking after your health and productivity. That’s exactly why we decided to rethink how we use our spaces at RS Clare. 

Welcome to the first update in our series on how we are improving colleague facilities across the company. We are delighted to introduce you to the newly transformed upstairs kitchen, officially rebranded as the “Decompression Chamber.” 

This piece explains the reasoning behind the transformation and shows you exactly why our colleagues should make the most of this new sanctuary. Be sure to check out the before and after photos attached to this update to see the full scale of the makeover. 

The evolution of our upstairs kitchen 

If you look at the “before” photos of the upstairs kitchen, you’ll see a perfectly functional space. It had standard dining tables, metal chairs, and bright lighting. It served its purpose as a spot to eat lunch or grab a quick coffee. However, it still felt like an extension of the office, and we realised our team needed something different.  

From canteen to sanctuary 

The “after” photos reveal a completely different environment. We stripped away the clinical, white office feel and replaced it with warm, inviting elements. We swapped out the stark tables for soft wood-grain tables. We brought in soft seating, with plush brown faux leather sofas (vegan friendly), arranged in a U-shape to encourage relaxation.  

We also introduced greenery, adding trailing plants and potted palms to soften the aesthetic. We intentionally chose abstract art with soft, rounded shapes to complement the calming atmosphere. This shift towards a more comfortable, home-like environment encourages employees to step outside of ‘work mode’.  

The science of taking a break 

Brief mental breaks greatly improve your focus and reduce your stress levels. Stepping into a different physical environment resets your attention span. When you disconnect from your work tasks even for just 10 minutes, you allow your brain to process information and recover from ‘cognitive fatigue’. 

Colleagues who take regular, genuine breaks report feeling less overwhelmed and more engaged throughout the afternoon. The Decompression Chamber provides exactly the physical boundary you need to make those breaks effective. 

The golden rule: no work chat 

There are several prominent signs in the new space that read: “NO WORK CHAT”, which is the core rule of the Decompression Chamber. If employees are in this room, they leave their projects, deadlines, and meetings at the door and are encouraged to use other meeting rooms to discuss anything work-related. By enforcing this boundary, we protect the space as a true mental refuge. Employees can chat about their weekend, discuss a film, or simply sit in total silence. 

Keep an eye out for the next post in this series, where we will unveil another exciting upgrade to our employee facilities.