4 reasons to keep your office kitchen well-stocked

Build connection and collaboration

Many organisations are adopting new methods to entice returning employees. In our survey, 77 per cent of employees say they have returned to the office in some capacity and 35 per cent have returned full-time. With employees returning to the office, it’s important to provide a space where they can reconnect in a way that feels familiar, not forced.

The workplace kitchen is more than just a place to get tea or coffee – it has become a central hub where employees get to know each other. Ensure that your kitchen is a welcoming and relaxing place where employees can connect. This may lead to new ideas, better problem solving and more empowered decision-making.

Save money

According to another study, three in four Australians enjoy at least one cup of coffee per day, and of those, 28 per cent have three or more cups per day.¹ Additionally, around 23 percent of all coffee orders are coffee-to-go, ranking Australia fourth behind Japan, the United States and Canada in terms of coffee-to-go.²

On average, it takes around 20 minutes for a coffee run when coffee is not available onsite. This quick break adds up to about 80 hours of lost productivity per employee, per year. Considering the Australian average hourly rate is $50, loss in productivity is estimated at $4,000 per employee, per year.

By investing in a coffee machine or providing employees with good quality instant coffee, you can save your business thousands of dollars per year. Beyond cost-saving benefits, providing an onsite coffee solution is a great way to boost staff morale and loyalty.

Provide a workplace perk

Several studies indicate that kitchens stocked with healthy snacks, drinks and treats make employees happy.

Research from the Australian Institute of Business discovered 73 per cent of respondents said a full pantry would make them feel happier at work, with 57 per cent saying it would boost staff morale.³

Another survey found 40 per cent of respondents ranked office food as one of the most important workplace benefits, alongside vacation time and professional development.⁴

In 2021, our own research revealed 34 per cent of Australians with a well-stocked workplace kitchen say it makes them feel more refreshed and recharged and 34 per cent agree it makes them feel that their employer values their contribution to the business.

Provide a workplace kitchen stocked with food, drinks and snacks to delight your employees.

Boost productivity

We’ve all experienced the 3pm slump. When energy, focus and productivity start to decline in the afternoon, ensure employees have access to healthy afternoon snacks.

A study published in Personality and Psychology Review says glucose provides energy for nearly all the brain’s activities and self-control is especially dependent on glucose.⁵ Replenishing our glucose levels with brain food supplies our bodies with the blood sugar we need to improve mood, behaviour, energy, concentration and productivity.

By ensuring your workplace kitchen is fully stocked and providing employees with a central meeting hub for relaxation, interaction and energy boosting, you create a happier and healthier workplace.

Fuel a more productive workplace with our kitchen essentials here.