Category • Blog articles

How can coffee improve my office culture? What you need to know for 2025

Alex | February 19, 2025

In 2025, coffee culture in UK workplaces is evolving faster than ever. With hybrid and flexible work continuing to shape today’s modern office, providing high-quality barista-style coffee has never been more important.

This simple but highly valued office perk gives facilities and office managers a unique opportunity to create experiences where employees feel valued, energised, and connected.

What role does coffee play in your workplace culture?

Coffee has long been an essential part of the workplace, but in recent years, its role has transformed significantly. In the UK, around 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day, and a considerable share of this consumption happens in workplaces.

A 2024 study from Statista reported that the most regularly consumed drink in the UK is coffee. This growing trend is evident across all generations, with the following percentage stating that they drink coffee on a regular basis:

*74% of baby boomers

*71% of Gen X

*58% of millennials

*47% of Gen Z

The same study proved that approximately 65% of consumers in the UK drink coffee two to three times a week or more, compared to about 23% of Brits who don’t drink coffee at all.

women drinking coffee

But can coffee really help to create a productive and engaged workforce?

A 2024 survey by YouGov revealed that 78% of UK office workers see coffee breaks as vital for team bonding, while 64% believe that good coffee improves their overall job satisfaction.

There is a lot of evidence to support how coffee can help make your team more creative, productive and collaborative. Caffeine is well-known for improving focus and combating fatigue, and the benefits of coffee extend far beyond its chemical effects.

Another 2025 study by the University of Leeds found that employees who took short coffee breaks were 23% more productive compared to those who worked without breaks.

Stepping away from the desk, even briefly, allows your team to reset and return to tasks with renewed energy. Ultimately, coffee has a way of bringing people together, and taking a simple coffee break, provides a natural opportunity for your team to engage with colleagues. This all helps to contribute to a more productive and engaged workforce operating in a positive workplace culture.

mix of coffee cups
Discover More: Do I need a coffee machine in the office? Four reasons why you do…

The rise of premium coffee expectations

Gone are the days when instant coffee and a communal kettle met your teams’ expectations. Today’s employees have sophisticated palates and expect much more from their workplace coffee experience.

With speciality coffee shops on nearly every high street corner, your team has likely become accustomed to freshly brewed, barista-style coffee drinks. This shift has made investing in a commercial office coffee machine that delivers consistently high-quality coffee a necessity.

Facilities and office managers responsible for keeping the coffee station stocked should also be providing options like plant-based milk as veganism, allergies, and food and drink intolerances are on the rise.

In fact, one in three of us Brits now enjoy a plant-based milk alternative, with oat milk taking the number one spot. Consider opting for a commercial bean to cup coffee machine that has a dual milk functionality so you can provide dairy AND dairy-free milk.

Plus, don’t forget your decaf lovers, as it’s estimated that one in five will opt for a decaffeinated coffee. You can support this choice by opting for a coffee machine that has multiple bean hoppers. This means you can provide your team with a choice of up to 4 different coffee beans, including a decaf version.

These small adjustments in the office are important as they demonstrate attentiveness to your diverse team preferences.

And don’t forget that having great coffee on-site saves employees from leaving the office to get their fix, further helping boost productivity and also saving your team money.

Health trends and new tech

Health-conscious choices influence every aspect of workplace amenities, and coffee is no exception. While traditional espresso-based drinks remain popular, demand is increasing for alternatives like matcha lattes, mushroom coffee, turmeric-infused drinks, and functional beverages with added health benefits.

In 2025, many offices are also introducing low-sugar syrups, organic coffee beans, and of course, dairy-free milk options to cater to employees focused on their health and wellness. It makes sense to support your teams’ healthy habits as it helps to boost morale and may even prevent sick days.

Technology is also revolutionising coffee culture, making brewing more personalised and convenient. Modern coffee machines now feature intuitive user interfaces and smart capabilities, allowing users to customise their coffee experience.

Our range of coffee machines is compatible with intuitive apps like the JURA Operating Experience (J.O.E.®) app, allowing you to order your favourite coffee straight from your smartphone.

Whether you prefer an espresso, flat white, or latte, you can customise your drink, adjust settings, and even save your preferences for next time – all with just a few taps. It’s a convenient, contactless way to enhance your coffee experience in the office, ensuring every cup is made exactly how you and your team like it.

coffee beans growing

Sustainability and ethical sourcing

Sustainability is another priority for UK businesses in 2025, and coffee is no exception to this growing movement. With 80% of consumers now considering the environmental impact of their purchases, providing ethically sourced coffee is an easy way to align your workplace with broader sustainability goals.

Partnering with coffee suppliers like us that emphasise fair trade practices, environmentally friendly packaging, and carbon-neutral operations appeals to eco-conscious employees while reinforcing your office’s commitment to social responsibility. Read more about our Sustainability commitments.

Building a standout coffee culture

First, you need to create a dedicated space where people feel relaxed and can enjoy a barista-style coffee experience in the office. A thoughtfully designed break-out area is far better than a crowded office kitchen space and will encourage more informal interactions. These interactions will help drive cross-team collaboration and knowledge sharing and also deepen office relationships. This has even been proven in a recent MIT study. According to MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab, spontaneous conversations in communal spaces boost team performance and innovation in the workplace.

Finally, to create a coffee culture that employees genuinely appreciate, start by listening to your teams’ personal and diverse preferences. A quick survey can provide insights into the types of drinks they value, whether they prioritise sustainability, convenience, quality, and health and understand what features they want from your commercial office coffee machine.

Investing in training sessions or coffee-tasting workshops can also add a unique touch. These activities can double as team-building exercises while ensuring everyone understands and appreciates the coffee you provide. You can book your free coffee-tasting experience in our London showroom here.

Contact us

If you’re ready to upgrade your coffee experience in 2025 to enrich and elevate your office culture, simply get in touch with our team on 020 7553 7900.