The Complete Guide to Office Nursery Rooms (2025): Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: September 2025 | Reading time: 12 minutes

A breastfeeding room in the office is no longer a luxury but an essential facility for modern employers. With the increasing focus on employee satisfaction and Employer Branding, the right breastfeeding room plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything about breastfeeding rooms: from legal requirements to practical implementation.

What is a Nursing Room and Why Do You Need One?

A nursing room is a private, hygienic, and comfortable space where employees can express and store breast milk. It goes beyond just a functional space – it’s a statement about how your company values employee satisfaction.

The Business Case for Kickback Rooms

Employee satisfaction increases by 40% when companies provide adequate bowling spaces (Workplace Research 2024). But the benefits go further:

• Higher retention: 85% of employees return sooner after maternity leave
• Employer Branding boost: Positioning as an innovative, caring employer
• Productivity: Less worry about bowling = more focus on work
• Regulatory compliance: Prepared for future legislation

Nursing Room Mandatory? What Does the Law Say in 2025

Current Dutch Legislation

While there is currently no legal requirement for putting spaces in the Netherlands, the landscape is changing rapidly:

Arbo Act Article 1.42: Employers must provide ‘suitable facilities’ for pregnant and breastfeeding employees.

European Directive 2019/1158: Encourages member states to create adequate facilities.

What’s Next?

2025 Developments:

• Stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations
• Potential tax benefits for companies with nursing rooms
• Increasing Social Pressure and Expectations

"Companies investing in breastfeeding rooms now are leading the competition and future legislation," says Stijn Belmans, Manager at Offyce.

Bowling Lounge Requirements: What Must a Bowling Lounge Meet?

Basic Requirements for a Good Lactation Room

1. Privacy and Security

• Enclosed space with lock
• No visibility options (frosted glass or fully enclosed)
• Quiet location, away from busy walkways

2. Hygiene and Comfort

• Sink with hot and cold water
• Hand soap and disposable hand towels
• Clean, well-maintained space
• Adequate Heating and Cooling

3. Practical Facilities

• Comfortable chair (preferably adjustable)
• Table or workbench for bowling equipment
• Power outlet for electric breast pumps
• Refrigerator for storing breast milk

4. Technical Specifications

• Ventilation: Minimum of 6 air changes per hour
• Lighting: 500 lux, preferably dimmable
• Sound insulation: <35 dB for optimal tranquility

Legal Checklist

✅ Minimum 4m² floor area (Building and Housing Inspectorate)
✅ Fire safety requirements met
✅ Accessibility for persons with disabilities (if applicable)
✅ Cleaning protocol documented
✅ Booking system for multiple users

Types of Putting Greens: From Budget to Premium

1. Modular Bowling Spaces (€3,000 – €8,000)

Benefits:

• Quick to install
• Portable for office relocation
• No Renovation Required

Best for: Startups, temporary locations, testing phase

Offyce Recommendation: Perfect for companies that want to retain flexibility.

2. Built-in Bowling Lounges (€8,000 – €15,000)

Benefits:

• Fully integrated into office design
• Optimal Use of Available Space
• Highest privacy and comfort

Best for: Permanent office locations, growing teams

3. Multi-purpose Lactation Rooms (€12,000 – €25,000)

Benefits:

• Combination with other functions (rest break, phone calls)
• Optimal space utilization
• Higher ROI through Multi-Use

Best for: Companies with limited space, modern office concepts

Setting Up a Nursing Room: Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Determine Location (Week 1)

Ideal Locations:

• Close to workstations, yet out of sight
• Access to water facilities
• Quiet zone, away from meeting rooms and printers

To Avoid:

• Next to toilets or kitchens
• By main entrance or reception
• Spaces without Natural Light

Phase 2: Design and Setup (Week 2-4)

Furniture Checklist:

• Putting chair: Ergonomic, adjustable armrests
• Side table: Height 60-70cm, minimum 60x40cm
• Storage space: For personal items and putting equipment
• Mirror: For comfort and control

Technical Installations:

• Elektra: Minimum 4 power outlets
• Ventilation: Silent extraction
• Lighting: Dimmable LED, 3000K color temperature

Phase 3: Implementation and Training (Week 5-6)

Inform Employees:

• Introductory email with guidelines
• Explain the Booking System
• Communicate cleaning protocol

Soft Launch:

• First week for test group only
• Collecting Feedback and Making Adjustments
• Official launch with internal campaign

Office Bowling Space Costs: Investment vs. ROI

Initial Investment Breakdown

ROI Calculation

Annual Benefits:

• Retention: €25,000 per retained employee
• Recruitment: 30% lower hiring costs
• Productivity: 5% increase for new mothers
• Employer Branding: Priceless brand value

Break-even: On average 8-12 months for medium-sized businesses

Lactation Room Maintenance and Best Practices

Daily Maintenance

Cleaning Protocol:

1. After each use: Surface disinfection
2. Daily: Vacuum floors, empty trash bins
3. Weekly: Thorough cleaning of all surfaces
4. Monthly: Check ventilation filters

Reservation System

Digital Solutions:

• Microsoft Bookings: Free, integrated with Office 365
• Roomzilla: Professional booking system
• Custom App: For large organizations

Booking rules:

• Maximum 30 minutes per session
• Book 48 hours in advance
• Automatic release for no-shows

User Guidelines

Communicate Clearly:

• Hygiene Guidelines
• Booking Policy
• Contact for issues or feedback
• Respectful use of the space

Nursing Room Trends 2025: The Future of Workplace Wellness

Smart Bowling Lounges

IoT Integration:

• Automatic air purification
• App-driven reservations
• Usage analytics for optimization

Biophilic Design

Nature in the Nursing Room:

• Plants for air purification
• Optimized natural light
• Natural Materials and Colors

Multi-sensory Comfort

Holistic Experience:

• Aromatherapy Diffusers
• Soft background noise (white noise)
• Adjustable lighting scenarios

Offyce Bowling Space Solutions

Why Choose Offyce?

Proven Expertise:

• 100+ realized lactation rooms
• Clients such as Glasnost, Degiro, Catawiki
• Specialization in Employer Branding interior design

Full Service:

• Consultation: Free location assessment
• Design: 3D visualizations and mood boards
• Execution: From concept to completion
• Aftercare: Maintenance and optimization

Unique Approach:

• Integration with company identity
• Focus on employee satisfaction
• Sustainable, future-proof solutions

Our Lactation Room Portfolio

Modular Solutions:

• Offyce Pod: Compact, movable units
• Quick Install: Operational within 24 hours

Custom Projects:

• Fully Integrated Solutions
• Consistent brand appearance
• Multifunctional spaces

Case Study: Glasnost’s Putting Green Transformation

Challenge: Glasnost was looking for a nursing room that fit their creative, dynamic culture.

Solution: Offyce designed a multifunctional space that also serves as a meditation room.

Results:

• 95% satisfaction among users
• Faster return after maternity leave
• Positive PR and Employer Branding impact

"The nursing room is more than functional – it reflects our values," says HR Manager of Glasnost.

Read more about putting greens

• Setting up the Bowling Lounge — dimensions, layout, and what should actually be included
• What does a bowling lounge cost? — pricing per solution and renting vs. buying calculated
• Breastfeeding breaks in Belgium — nursing law, CCT nr. 80, and the certificate
• Establishing a Lactation Policy — template with the seven agreements you set

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Rooms

Is a pumping space legally required?

Not yet mandatory, but the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires ‘suitable facilities.’ Stricter regulations expected in 2025-2026.

How many nursing rooms do I need?

Rule of thumb: 1 nursing room per 50 female employees. For companies with 200+ employees: minimum 2 rooms.

Can a storage room be multifunctional?

Yes, but ensure the primary function (putting) always takes priority. Popular combinations: relaxation break, meditation space, private phone calls.

What If Employees Don’t Use the Bowling Lounge?

Reasons: Lack of privacy, poor location, insufficient communication. Solution: Gather user feedback and make adjustments.

How do I promote the bowling lounge internally?

• Included in onboarding new employees
• Regular reminders in the newsletter
• Testimonials from satisfied users
• Integration in Employer Branding Materials

Next Steps: From Plan to Implementation

Ready to Get Started?

1. Free Impactscan Offyce offers a free 15-minute assessment of your office. We identify the best location and provide budget advice.

2. Concept Design Within 1 week, you will receive 3D visualizations and a detailed proposal.

3. Quick Implementation From approval to completion: 2-4 weeks for modular solutions.

Contact Offyce

🏢 Offyce Office Furnishing
📧 info@offyce.nl
🌐 offyce.nl/putting-greens

Webshop: Browse our modular kickback rooms in our webshop.

Ready to transform your office into a happy workplace? Offyce helps companies like Glasnost, Degiro, and Catawiki strengthen their employer branding with thoughtfully designed kickback rooms. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

Last updated on 24 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans