Office coffee – the core of your workplace culture

For many of us, coffee is a daily ritual, a vital pick me up and a non-negotiable part of the working day. We Brits love our coffee, and where we were once known as a nation of tea lovers, coffee culture is thriving. A study revealed that 63% of Britons drink coffee regularly, while only 59% consume tea regularly. Additionally, data from Kantar showed that between 2022 and 2023, 533 million packs of coffee were sold in the UK, compared to 287 million packs of tea. These interesting stats suggest that the UK now embraces coffee with even more enthusiasm than our beloved tea.

When it comes to coffee in the workplace, it’s a well-known fact that more and more people expect the same barista-style coffee experience they get on the high street. Your team expects more than a cup of instant made with an office kettle.

People expect to choose from lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolates, espressos, and more. And don’t forget people also expect a choice of coffee beans, a decaf option, and, as plant-based milk continues to rise in popularity, a dairy-free option at work.

If you’re responsible for the office coffee facilities, you’ll understand that coffee is more than just a convenient and tasty drink. It’s about its role in creating a culture of collaboration, productivity, and satisfaction.

Think about all the times a new idea, new friendship or new project is all sparked by the simple words, ‘Let’s grab a coffee’. Coffee is vital to your team’s well-being and your office culture, so if you’re an office manager or facilities manager looking to boost your team’s well-being, read on, and we’ll give you some top tips on what to do next.

Coffee and workplace culture: the perfect blend

The workplace coffee machine has far evolved beyond a functional piece of office equipment. It’s become a social hub, a space for brainstorming, and an essential part of modern office culture.

Whether it’s a quick chat while the coffee brews or a moment to decompress during a busy working day, the coffee area often serves as a focal point for team interaction.

According to a Nespresso survey, over 80% of employees believe that high-quality coffee positively impacts workplace morale. Beyond boosting happiness, casual interactions over coffee help encourage collaboration, spark ideas, and strengthen relationships.

A bean to cup office coffee machine enhances this experience by delivering barista-quality coffee with various options for every taste. From an energising espresso to a creamy latte, there’s something for everyone, making the coffee break even more enjoyable.

The rise of coffee culture in the UK

The UK’s coffee culture has significantly transformed over the last decade. While tea may have traditionally been the nation’s favourite, coffee has firmly established itself as a close competitor. The British Coffee Association reports that the UK coffee market is worth over £10 billion annually, with workplace coffee contributing significantly to this figure.

A 2019 survey by YouGov revealed that nearly 65% of UK adults drink coffee daily, and workplace coffee consumption has become a critical aspect of this trend.

Employees expect high-quality coffee in the office, and businesses that meet this expectation often see the benefits in employee satisfaction. Providing excellent coffee can also be a strategic move to attract and retain top talent.

According to a study by Totaljobs, 44% of UK employees have rejected a job offer due to a lack of workplace amenities, with poor-quality coffee being a significant factor. Offering high-quality coffee from a commercial office coffee machine shows you care about your team’s wellbeing and can set you apart from competitors.

Why a commercial bean to cup machine can support your office culture

If you’re looking to up your office coffee game, a bean to cup coffee machine is a fantastic investment in quality, convenience, and versatility. Plus you’d be surprised to know how affordable they are with prices starting from just £4 per day. Here’s why these innovative machines are a great option to support your team’s health, happiness and well-being.

Taste

Unlike instant coffee, filtered or pod-based systems, bean to cup machines grind fresh coffee beans for every cup. This preserves the oils and aromas that make coffee taste so rich and satisfying. Employees in hard water areas like London or the South East will particularly notice the difference.

Freshly ground coffee combined with innovative filtration systems ensures a smoother, more enjoyable flavour, free from the unpleasant taste of hard water.

Variety and convenience

A great coffee machine is versatile and convenient. Whether your team loves cappuccinos, flat whites, or Americanos, a bean to cup machine automatically delivers premium-quality drinks at the touch of a button, saving time and keeping productivity high.

And don’t forget lots of modern machines offer multiple hoppers, meaning your team can choose from different coffee beans. The latest machines also offer dual milk functionality, so you can give your team a choice of dairy or plant-based milk – something that’s becoming vital in UK offices as tastes and dietary preferences change.

Sustainability

With sustainability becoming a key focus for businesses, it’s worth considering the environmental benefits of a bean to cup coffee machine. These machines use whole beans, significantly reducing packaging waste and the reliance on single-use plastics.

Also, many bean to cup machines are more energy-efficient than, say, an office kettle, with features like standby modes and optimised brewing systems that minimise energy consumption. Choosing a bean to cup machine is a practical and eco-friendly way to support your sustainability goals in the workplace.

Plus, it’s important to note that sustainability is a significant factor for employees when choosing an employer, especially younger people. A survey by Prospects revealed that 86% of graduates consider it vital that the company they work for has a positive environmental impact, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices in attracting and retaining young talent.

Cost savings and efficiency

Investing in a bean to cup coffee machine can also lead to significant cost savings over time. Think about how much time employees spend leaving the office to grab a coffee from a local café. Those minutes add up, and your team can enjoy the same quality coffee with a high quality machine in-house without stepping out. And with a cup of coffee in London now costing over £5, you’re helping them save money too.

The cost of providing great coffee is often far lower than subsidising other workplace perks. It’s an affordable way to show employees you value them while enhancing productivity and satisfaction.

Discover More: Why should office managers invest in a quality coffee machine?

Next steps

For office and facilities managers, investing in a bean to cup coffee machine isn’t just a small perk; it’s a statement. It shows you care about your team’s happiness, their productivity, and your company’s sustainability goals. It’s a really simple way to attract and retain top talent, make a great impression on visitors and clients, and support a culture that values quality and connection.

Our friendly, expert team help make it easy for you to transform your office coffee experience and create social spaces where coffee breaks are something your team can look forward to.

Ready to make coffee the core of your office culture? Explore our range of commercial office coffee machines, and let us help you create a workplace where great coffee brings your people together.