How to create a barista-style coffee experience in the office

Barista-style coffee means fresh, fast, high-quality, delicious and customisable. For modern companies taking employee well-being a step further, high-quality coffee always makes the list as a priority. Bringing a barista-style coffee experience into the office doesn’t just mean better coffee; it also means better team morale and productivity. We’ve got some tips on how to create this experience and discuss the benefits of investing in a bean-to-cup machine.

Choosing the right machine

At the core of any type of coffee experience is the quality of equipment. Traditional espresso machines found in cafes can be expensive and require a lot of maintenance. Only a trained person can use one safely, whereas a bean-to-cup coffee machine is for everyone to use.

Bean-to-cup machines take the guesswork out of making a great cup of coffee. They use whole beans to grind and brew a fresh cup of coffee in just 30 seconds. Investing in a bean-to-cup machine can also save businesses time and money, and positively impact your workplace culture.

Personalise your coffee station

Your coffee station should reflect your office’s personality and culture, and the machine you choose should be both visually appealing and functional. Your coffee machine should be in a central location that’s easily accessible – most often this will be in the office kitchen or break-out areas.

The layout of your coffee station should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Of course, one of the great things about bean-to-cup machines is that they’re really easy to use. Most come with a digital user interface so you can select and personalise your coffee at the touch of a button. With some machines, you can even order via an app on your mobile phone and the machine will have your coffee ready and waiting for you!

Give your team proper choice

A coffee machine that gives you a choice is essential for an inclusive workplace. Everybody’s tastes are different, and the more tailored experience your team have, the happier they will be. A bean-to-cup machine can make americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas, and even hot chocolate. On top of this, you can adjust the strength of the espresso extraction, the type and quantity of milk and the size of the drink. And for tea lovers, you can even dispense hot water at different temperatures according to your choice of tea. Providing your staff with a variety of drink options makes their morning coffee a treat. It’s not just a means to an end so that they can wake up a bit, but a moment they can look forward to and enjoy.

Many bean-to-cup machines come with dual hoppers, so you can offer your team a choice of two different coffee beans. It’s a great way to include a decaf option or simply give people more variety. Some machines also support dual milk fridges, which means you can serve dairy milk in one and a plant-based alternative in the other, all at the touch of a button.

Adding flavoured syrups like vanilla, hazelnut or caramel is a simple touch that can make a big difference. It gives your team the option to customise their drinks and enjoy café-style coffee without leaving the office.

Keep the area clean

Bean-to-cup machines are designed to be easy to clean and maintain. Each day, a quick wipe with antibacterial spray keeps the exterior clean and hygienic. Most machines also have built-in cleaning programmes for the internal system, which are simple to run at the end of the day. Usually, it’s just a matter of pressing a button or two to get everything ready for the next morning. Just refill the hoppers and milk, and you’re all set.

It’s also a good idea to keep the surrounding area clean. Wipe down surfaces, tidy up mugs and cups, and make the space look inviting. A well-kept coffee area encourages regular use and adds to the overall experience. We offer cleaning kits to make this easy for you.

Use quality beans

Great coffee starts with great beans. The quality and freshness of your coffee beans have a big impact on flavour, turning a standard cup into something barista-style. Choosing a supplier who focuses on high-quality, well-sourced beans is essential if you want to serve coffee that people genuinely enjoy.

Offering cheap coffee might save a little in the short term, but it can leave the wrong impression on your team, clients and visitors. Investing in better coffee shows that you care about the experience, and it can even help attract and keep great people. The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune. Most of our customers choose to rent or use our free loan agreements. Check out prices here.

Bringing a barista-style coffee experience into the office can transform your workplace culture. It shows your team they’re valued, lifts the mood and creates the kind of environment where people feel energised, focused and ready to collaborate.

Quality coffee makes a real difference to how people feel at work. It enhances the atmosphere, encourages connection and helps make the office a more enjoyable place to be.

Contact our friendly team

If you’d like help setting up your own barista-style coffee station, get in touch. We’ve been in office coffee for over 40 years, so we know our beans… And we’re always happy to help.