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Should Employers Provide Tea and Coffee?

Feb 04, 2021
Should employers provide tea and coffee? The short answer is yes! Find out how providing tea and coffee can affect employee performance.


If there is one thing Americans love, it's caffeinated beverages. A whopping 64% of Americans drink coffee every single day.


What does this statistic tell an employer? If you have an office with employees, you need to be providing tea and coffee service.


Not only are hot beverages good for productivity, but they boost office morale, improve employee retention, and make employees feel like management cares about their workplace experience.


Why should employers provide tea and coffee to their team? We've outlined all of the benefits a workplace beverage station has to offer.


Why Should Employers Provide Tea and Coffee?

Serving coffee in the American workplace dates back to the 1900s.


After years of coffee rising in popularity, companies started administering fifteen-minute workday breaks. These breaks soon evolved into coffee breaks and chats. Thus, the coffee culture we know today was formed.


American employees were so attached to their coffee breaks that workers in the automotive industry went on strike in the 1960s due to the lack of coffee breaks available to them.


Consider a beverage station an investment that yields a profitable ROI. Tea and coffee provided by an employer is a simple way you can accommodate your team. Free tea and coffee at work lead to an extensive range of benefits that you, the employer, can enjoy.


1. Show Your Employees You Care

Do employers have to provide tea and coffee? No. But should an employer provide complimentary hot beverages? Yes.


Creating a coffee station in your office is a simple gesture that goes a long way. It demonstrates that you care about your employees and want to create an accommodating workplace.


When your employees believe management cares about their wellbeing, they perform better and are less likely to leave the company. Happier employees are more productive employees.


In 2019, Staples conducted a happiness survey to gauge what employees valued. According to the results, 68% of respondents said they would feel valued by their organization if their employer invested in the office workspace.


What does that mean for you, the employer?


You don't have to purchase a ping pong table or invest in nap pods like Google. Providing a selection of coffees and teas is an affordable way to invest in your office, and show your employees their efforts are appreciated.


2. Encourage Employees to Take a Break

Employees who chain themselves to their desks aren't doing anyone a favor. Refusing to take a break leads to lower productivity and increases the risk of employee burnout.


Many employees, especially those who are new to the team, believe that hammering out non-stop work will create a good impression. It's up to the employer to design a workspace that encourages hard work but also emphasizes taking breaks.

Forbes reported that the benefits of taking regular breaks include:

  • Releasing stress
  • Refreshing the mind for creative thinking
  • Increasing productivity
  • Improving self-care


A coffee station is an excellent way to send the message that breaks are okay. The coffee serves as a reason for an employee to get up from their desk, stretch their legs, and refuel.


3. Increase Productivity

Coffee improves cognitive performance, sustained attention, and memory. A mid-day cup of joe helps people retain information from meetings, solve problems faster, and focus on tasks.


In addition to mental clarity, people report that coffee makes them feel better. It eliminates fatigue, reduces inflammation, and stimulates dopamine production. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that comes from your brain. Increased dopamine levels lead to better moods and emotional stability.


That being said, having a coffee station in your office can boost your team's overall productivity rates. Tea also provides similar benefits.


All types of teas are rich in antioxidants that fight off diseases, boost metabolism, and enhance cognitive health. Tea plants contain theanine, a unique amino acid that induces feelings of relaxation without causing drowsiness. Drinking tea is calming and lowers stress levels.


Theanine also reduces the risk of dementia, lowers blood pressure, and incites alertness. It helps people stay focused for long hours, and the added attentiveness decreases the risk of silly mistakes.


With so many health benefits, an employer should make hot tea and coffee in the workplace a priority. Employees will love it, and employers appreciate the boost in focus and productivity.


4. Build Office Camaraderie

You don't need your employees to be best friends, but having a team with strong relationships can heighten productivity, morale, and motivation. It can also help you retain talent and lower employee turnover rate.


It can be difficult for employees to get to know everyone in the office while being seated at their desks. That's where an in-office beverage station comes in handy.


Providing a central place where employees can gather, chat, and refuel is the only icebreaker you'll need in the office. Making new connections builds a more cohesive team, which benefits your business.


5. Save Time

Finally, having employee facilities in the workplace eliminates the need for midday coffee runs to the local Starbucks.


Having coffee at-the-ready is convenient and saves employees from taking an extended break to the local coffee cafe. It's helpful for employees who don't have time to drive somewhere for a quick cup of joe. And it's beneficial for employers who want to eliminate office time wasters.


The bottom line is your employees are going to need coffee or tea at some point. Would you rather them leave the office or fill their mugs a few feet from their desks?


Start Setting up Your Office Beverage Station

Should employers provide tea and coffee? Yes, if they want to boost productivity, improve morale, and show employees they care about their wellbeing.


Now that you know why coffee and tea in the workplace is essential, it's time to create your beverage station. And we're the ones who can help.


Call us today at: (402) 392-2600 to learn more about how you can get high-quality coffee delivered to your office.

By Jay Encell 22 Apr, 2024
Coffee enhances workplace culture, with 89% agreeing it boosts happiness and productivity. When it comes to coffee, the spectrum of flavors and aromas is as vast as the varieties of beans. Each type of roast brings its own unique flavor profile. Some of the popular roasts among coffee enthusiasts are blonde roast coffee and French roast coffee. Knowing the differences between these two can elevate your coffee experience, fostering a happier workplace environment. Below is a guide that explores the differences between the two roasts. Blonde Roast Coffee vs. French Roast Coffee: Exploring the Differences in Flavor Blonde roast coffee and French roast coffee are two popular types of coffee flavors. Understanding the difference between these roasts will help you choose your next cup of coffee. Let's explore them. Bean Quality and Preparation Blonde roast coffee represents the lightest end of the roast spectrum. Achieving this roast involves subjecting the coffee beans to relatively shorter roasting times and lower temperatures. The result is a bean with a pale, golden hue. On the other hand, the French roast coffee is a darker roast. To achieve this dark roast, subject coffee beans to high temperatures for an extended period. This results in a rich, deep color and robust flavor. The extended roasting time also causes the beans to release their natural oils. As a result, you will notice that French roast coffee has a glossy appearance and a full-bodied texture. Flavor Profile One of the major features of blonde roast coffee is its delicate and nuanced flavor profile. With minimal roasting, the natural flavors of coffee beans are preserved. This often results in a brew that is bright, floral, and fruity. When you take a sip, you can expect subtle hints of citrus and vibrant floral notes. The light-bodied nature of blonde roast coffee allows for greater clarity of flavor. If you prefer nuanced taste experiences, this is the roast for you. On the contrary, French roast coffee features a bold and smoky flavor profile. You will notice prominent notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and caramelized sugars. This lengthy roasting process leads to the development of smoky, rich, bitter-sweet flavors. If you love a rich and indulgent drinking experience, opt for the full-bodied French roast coffee. Caffeine Content The caffeine content in blonde roast coffee and French roast coffee differs based on their roasting process. Since this is a lighter roast, it contains slightly more caffeine than darker roasts. This makes it a suitable choice if you need a higher caffeine kick. On the other hand, French roast coffee undergoes a longer roasting process at higher temperatures. This can lead to a reduction in caffeine content compared to lighter roasts. While darker roasts may have slightly less caffeine, the difference is marginal. Acidity Content One notable characteristic of blonde roast coffee is its noticeable acidity. This gives it a bright, tangy taste. The acidity is often well-balanced, adding complexity to the brew without overwhelming your palate. In contrast, French roast coffee features low acidity. The extended roasting process leads to the breakdown of acids present in the beans. As a result, you can enjoy a smoother, less acidic brew. Brewing Methods Blonde roast coffee is best brewed using a drip method, such as the popular pour-over. This method allows for a clean, rich, and light-bodied taste with subtle flavors. The brew time for pour-over coffee is usually 3 to 5 minutes, making about 4 cups per brew. To brew the best-tasting French roast coffee, use immersion brewing methods, such as a French press. This creates a silky, smooth, full-bodied cup of coffee that emphasizes its rich and bold flavors. Why You Should Provide Both Blonde Roast and French Roast Coffee Catering to diverse coffee tastes is important. This is why providing both blonde roast and French roast coffee is a strategic move that can elevate your coffee game . Here's why. Enhances Variety Offering both coffee roasts in your office caters to diverse preferences. You can enjoy the bright acidity of the blonde roast or the bold intensity of the French roast. Having options ensures everyone finds their favorite. This helps foster inclusivity and satisfaction in your workplace. For a balanced experience, you can also add a medium roast coffee to the menu. Elevates Coffee Experience If you want to elevate the coffee experience of your employees, provide both the blonde roast and French roast. This empowers them to explore different flavor profiles. Boosts Morale and Productivity Access to quality coffee in the workplace can have a positive impact on employees. When you offer the two roasts, it demonstrates a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of your team members. A well-stocked coffee service encourages social interaction and camaraderie. This fosters a sense of community and teamwork. As a result, you can boost both staff morale and office productivity. How to Incorporate Both Roasts into Your Office Coffee Service Providing both blonde roast and French roast coffee creates an inclusive workplace. Below,we explainhow you can effectively incorporate these options into your office coffee service. Understand Colleague Preferences To incorporate both roast coffee options, you need to start by understanding your colleagues' preferences. Survey employees to gather data on their coffee preferences, including roast levels. This will help you make a more informed decision. Provide Multiple Brewing Methods Offer different brewing methods. While espresso machines are popular, you can also provide pour-over and French press options. This will help enhance the coffee experience. Partner With a Reputable Coffee Supplier To ensure the quality of your coffee, consider partnering with a reputable coffee supplier. Make sure the supplier roasts their beans in-house. This ensures your coffee roasts maintain their distinct flavor profile. Fuel Productivity With a Blend of Blonde and French Roast in the Office The difference between blonde roast coffee and French roast coffee extends far beyond taste. You should offer both roasts if you want to provide a well-rounded coffee experience in the workplace. With Ideal Pure Water, you never have to worry about getting your caffeine fix! We can assist you with the equipment, services, and products that you need. For inquiries, call us today at: (402) 392-2600 , and we will be happy to assist you further.
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If you want to liven things up and give employees something to look forward to, consider some of these popular coffee flavors.
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Who wouldn't want coffee to help get through the day? Here is why managers enjoy ordering coffee service for office spaces.
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In the dynamic and fast-paced environment of an office, maintaining a healthy and productive workspace is paramount. Small changes in the office environment can have a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity. One such change that brings both health benefits and convenience is switching to a 5-gallon bottled water system. Beyond being a hydration solution, opting for large bottled water dispensers can transform the office experience. In this article, we explore five compelling reasons why making the switch to 5-gallon bottled water can benefit your office and contribute to a more positive and efficient workplace. 1. Encourages Hydration Staying hydrated is fundamental to workers’ overall well-being and productivity. Unfortunately, 75% of Americans are walking around dehydrated. It's a sad state of affairs indeed, when folks are too busy to drink enough water to stay hydrated. The problem with dehydration isn't that your pee is going to be darker than normal, but that dehydration will affect the way you think and work. Your employees need to stay on top of their creativity to get their best work done. But your brain, which is 73% water , can't perform all its key functions when it's dehydrated. Your brain uses water for hundreds of different chemical reactions every hour. The more dehydrated you are, the harder it will be to think straight and to be creative. Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of office life, employees may overlook their hydration needs. Providing 5-gallon bottled water dispensers in strategic locations throughout the office serves as a constant reminder for employees to drink more water. The larger size encourages frequent refills, promotes a culture of wellness and ensures that employees have easy access to clean and refreshing water throughout the day. You can also encourage employees to bring their own reusable water bottles or provide them with a company-branded water bottle, so they never have to worry about being without water again. Everyone can carry their water bottles with them to meetings and out-of-office events, staying hydrated and being more productive in the process. 2. Cost-Effective Solution Contrary to the perception that bottled water is an expensive choice, 5-gallon bottled water can be a cost-effective solution for offices. These large bottles provide a substantial volume of water, reducing the need for frequent orders and deliveries. The cost per gallon is often more economical when opting for larger bottles compared to smaller individual bottles. Additionally, the convenience of bulk delivery minimizes the time and effort spent on restocking, allowing employees to focus on their tasks rather than managing the office's water supply. Once the 5-gallon bottle is empty, it's a simple affair to pick up another one from the supply room and refill the water station. It makes the whole process much easier on your employees and also much easier on your company's wallet. 3. Environmental Sustainability Many Americans are concerned nowadays about the state of the planet, which seems to be drowning in an ocean of plastic. If you don't provide water refill stations, employees are more likely to buy plastic water bottles, as they may feel they have no other choice. This is quite an environmental hazard since these bottles will sit in the landfill for centuries on end, never decomposing. Or, they will end up creating microplastics which are suffocating our bodies and all marine life and wildlife. Switching to 5-gallon bottled water is a step towards environmental sustainability. While individual water bottles contribute to plastic waste, larger 5-gallon bottles are reusable and contribute to less environmental impact. Many office water delivery services also offer bottle recycling programs, ensuring that the bottles are properly disposed of and recycled. This environmentally conscious choice aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, demonstrating a commitment to reducing the office's ecological footprint. 4. Convenient and Practical Dispensing 5-gallon bottled water dispensers are designed for convenience and practicality. These dispensers often come with easy-to-use taps or coolers that provide chilled or room-temperature water on demand. Some of them even allow your employees to fill their cups with hot water for tea or instant soup. This convenience can allow your employees to get their cup of tea in a jiffy and be on their way faster than ever. This user-friendly design minimizes spillage and ensures that employees can quickly and efficiently access water whenever its needed. The dispensers also eliminate the need for employees to store personal water bottles in crowded refrigerators, freeing up space for other essentials. 5. Promotes Social Interaction The presence of 5-gallon bottled water dispensers can serve as focal points within the office, promoting social interaction among employees. Water stations become natural gathering spots where colleagues can engage in casual conversations, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture. A lot of these conversations aren't going to be as frivolous as you might think.. Chatting freely around the water cooler can lead to employees brainstorming interesting new ideas that can transform the projects they are working on. Encouraging employees to take short breaks to hydrate not only benefits their health, but also provides valuable opportunities for relaxation and socialization, contributing to a more vibrant and cohesive work environment. Contrary to popular belief, working straight through for 8 hours isn’t the best way to get a lot of productive work done. Short breaks for socializing can actually clear your employees' brains and can help them go back to work with new ideas and a fresh perspective. The only con we can think of is that your employees will need more pee breaks, but that's a downside we can all live with as the trade off is healthier, more productive employees. Start 5-Gallon Bottled Water Delivery for Your Office A lot of organizations aren't aware of the benefits of 5-gallon bottled water, so they don't partake in it yet. But you can be a pioneer and start your employees on their own hydration journey. Ready to get started? Ideal Pure Water delivers 5-gallon bottled water, coffee, and beverages to the Omaha Metro area, Eastern NE and Western Iowa. Ideal Pure Water can assist you with the equipment, services, and products that you need. For inquiries, call us today at: (402) 392-2600 , and we will be happy to assist you further.
By Jay Encell 04 Dec, 2023
74% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee every single day. And nearly one in two people drink three to five daily cups of coffee. Odds are that your employees fall into this range. Providing coffee in the workplace offers countless advantages, from improving profits to increasing employee satisfaction. But are you aware of the additional benefits you can harness by offering free coffee in a Keurig? This guide will explain why you should consider replacing your old coffee maker with a Keurig. Plus, stick around until the end to find out how to get Keurig K cups delivered straight to your office. Increase Business Profits You didn't start your business to lose money. Your company needs cash flow for acquisitions and market expansions if you want to grow your profits and keep them growingin the face of heavy competition. Looking for new ideas to increase your cash flow? An unexpected way to improve your bottom line and gain a competitive advantage in your market is to add a Keurig coffee machine to your break room. Coffee machines and the products needed to fill them are a business expense that can reduce your annual tax bill. Caffeine is a natural productivity booster to get a higher quantity and quality of work from your employees. Coffee Machines Are Tax-Deductible Coffee and the machines used to brew it are what's known as a fringe benefit. Fringe benefits are supplements to an employee's salary. As such, they are a form of payment. Fringe benefits are tax-deductible expenses. That means you can use your Keurig and K cups to reduce your annual tax bill and apply those extra savings straight to your bottom line. Caffeine Boosts Employee Productivity Caffeine is the active ingredient in coffee. It is a stimulant, meaning it increases activity in the brain. One of the primary benefits of stimulants like caffeine is that they increase energy levels. Additionally, coffee benefits our ability to concentrate for long periods and enhances performance and creativity. All of these advantages translate into better productivity at no extra cost to you. Improve Employee Satisfaction Replacing an employee is expensive. On average, it costs 33% of a worker's annual salary to train someone new to take their place. Entry-level employee turnover is even more expensive, costing 50% of their annual salary to replace. Employee retention is not just a profitability issue, though. Replacing lost workers is also time-consuming. If you are looking for a better way to save time and money on turnover, a Keurig machine may be just what you need. Studies show that giving employees access to free coffee is an excellent way to boost morale, show support, and enhance well-being. Read on to find out why that is the case. Access to Quality Coffee Raises Morale A McKinsey study found that employees believe having access to free coffee improves workplace morale , or a shared sense of purpose about the company's products, services, and goals. Morale is crucial for a healthy workplace culture. It has a direct impact on employee engagement and job satisfaction. Companies with strong morale are places where top talent want to work. Providing Hot Coffee Shows You Care The McKinsey study we mentioned above also looked at the effects of coffee on workers' feelings toward their employers. 61% of employees polled said they felt their employer cared more when they provided free hot beverages. Feeling valued by one's employer is vital for employee satisfaction. Workers who feel like their employer cares for their well-being are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the company. Caffeine Is a Natural Mood-Enhancer Another benefit of stimulants like caffeine is that they provide mood-enhancing effects. Caffeine increases levels of a brain chemical called dopamine. When dopamine is too low, it can make you feel tired and moody. Importantly, caffeine's mood-boosting effects are only present when used in small doses. Experts recommend limiting coffee consumption to two 8-ounce cups or fewer to harness this benefit. The Advantages of Brewing Coffee in a Keurig By now, you may be thinking: any old coffee can increase business profits and improve employee satisfaction, no matter what machine it comes out of. So, what makes a Keurig coffee maker so special? A Keurig machine, in particular, can positively impact your bottom line and employee well-being because they are more efficient and offer more variety than regular coffee makers. Plus, when you work with a coffee delivery service provider , you can take advantage of all the benefits of a Keurig without the extra work. We'll deliver everything your employees need to brew a hot and fresh cup of coffee without you having to lift a finger. Keurigs Are More Efficient Regular coffee machines waste time and money. A Keurig, on the other hand, is a single-cup coffee maker. It will only brew one cup of coffee at a time, speeding up the process and resulting in far less waste. Keurigs also provide the perfect way to harness caffeine's mood-enhancing effects. Employees will have access to smaller doses- a single cup- rather than an endless supply that could have the opposite effect on their mood. Keurigs Offer More Variety With a Keurig, you can delight your workers with their favorite coffee brands. No matter how large your workforce, it's easy to customize K cup orders to include all the flavors and types of coffee they will love. Plus, when you purchase your K cups through a coffee delivery company, you can change your order from week to week, taking advantage of seasonal brews, annual discounts, and much more. Keurig Coffee Delivered Straight to Your Office Offering free coffee in the workplace may be the solution to your biggest business problems. Brewing coffee in a Keurig is particularly advantageous since these machines are more efficient, and you can access more variety with K cups. Are you convinced a Keurig is the perfect addition to your office break room? Ideal Pure Water offers K cup delivery services and can help you pick the Keurig machine that is right for you. Ideal Pure Water can assist you with the equipment, services, and products that you need. For inquiries, call us today at: (402) 392-2600 , and we will be happy to assist you further.
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More than 600,000 new businesses are formed in the US each year. Many of these struggle to achieve long-term success, but focusing on employee comfort and happiness can go a long way. One of the most important roles entrepreneurs have is maintaining a pleasant office environment. This goes a long way when it comes to helping employees productivity. Having an office water cooler is a welcome addition to any workplace, but not everyone understands the benefits of water cooler services. Listed below are some of the most notable you should consider. 1. Saves Time One of the primary benefits of working with a service provider is the time savings. Without professional water cooler delivery services, you would have to purchase and transport water on your own. Let's assume an office goes through 200 gallons of water per week. This office is also located on the 20th floor of a commercial building. It would be difficult to transport this much water, and it would also be very time-consuming. Hiring a professional service helps you avoid this obligation. They can ensure that you have access to the exact amount of water you need, whenever you need it. You can also avoid stocking up on water, something that would otherwise take up a substantial amount of storage space. 2. Reduce Waste Without water cooler services, many companies would find it too inconvenient to have a water cooler. This could result in employees purchasing plastic water bottles to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, only 9% of plastic is recycled, and a large amount of wasted plastic is associated with water bottles. A company with a large number of employees who use plastic water bottles will have a much higher carbon footprint than it should. Hiring a watercooler service can help minimize the amount of plastic waste at your company. This can go a long way toward making your business more sustainable. 3. Access to Healthier Water Without access to a water cooler, people won't always purchase plastic water bottles. Some people may choose to drink tap water out of a glass instead. Unfortunately, this is an unhealthy practice. To clarify, tap water is often full of heavy metals, rust, and microbes. Over time, these can lead to devastating health problems like pregnancy issues and neurological disorders. In some cases, these problems could affect employee productivity. Employees who need extra sick days could inadvertently throw off project timelines. Having water delivered to your office can ensure that you and your staff have consistent access to pure, healthy water. It's worth noting that having high-quality water in your office will also help keep your employees hydrated. Dehydration can cause a number of health concerns , such as fatigue and dizziness. Keep this information in mind if you're on the fence about working with a professional. 4. Affordability It's much more cost-efficient to order water in bulk than it is to purchase smaller amounts. This is especially true when considering large water containers. Water delivery services often have deals and promotions, as well. These can help you save even more cash when buying water for your office. It's not uncommon for service providers to offer discounts to first-time buyers. Reputable service providers will work with you to help determine how to get the most out of your budget. You can then reinvest the money you save into other areas of your business. 5. Improved Employee Morale Having access to water cooler services will help ensure that your water cooler functions properly at your office. Water coolers also serve as a great way for employees to briefly catch up with their coworkers and take a quick break from their responsibilities. This can go a long way when it comes to reducing mental fatigue and building morale. Finding a Service Provider Before you get started, you'll need to look at a company’s past reputation. See what previous clients have had to say about the level of service they received. This will go a long way in making the best decision for your company. You should also consider what type of businesses they often work with. Are they able to accommodate an office of your size? The last thing you want is to hire a business that can't handle your company's needs. Consider how communicative they are too. They should be easy to get in touch with, and brand representatives should quickly answer any questions you may have. Consider their level of flexibility. You should have full control over the frequency and time of your deliveries. Some companies have policies that require you to purchase a minimum amount of water each month. Keep an eye out for those so you know what you're getting into. Take an in-depth look at their billing structure. It's essential for you to fully understand your agreement with them so you don't run into financial surprises. As long as you do your due diligence, you should be able to find the ideal candidate. Consider Office Water Cooler Services When handled correctly, hiring a service company for your office water cooler can go a long way. Be sure to consider the above information when making your decision so that you can keep your employees comfortable and productive. Reach out to us at Ideal Pure Water today to see how we can help. Our team of professionals can help you make the best choice for your business. Ideal Pure Water offers water delivery, coffee services, filtration systems, and brewers. For inquiries, call us today at: (402) 392-2600 , and we will be happy to assist you further.
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