The kitchen or lunchroom is one of the most important zones in any workplace. It’s often the first place team members visit when they arrive in the morning, seeking social connectivity, sustenance and a sense of belonging.
Post COVID, many workplaces have recognised the importance of this space, transforming it from a functional area into a social hub designed to cultivate culture, connect people and create a sense of purpose through more meaningful interactions.
In fact today, many modern workplace kitchens blur the lines between domestic kitchen, urban café and office environment.
But there’s no point having a beautiful kitchen if it’s not well stocked.
In this blog, Zahra Miraldo, Category Manager – Kitchen, shares her top four benefits of having a well-stocked workplace kitchen.
1. Build connection and culture with a coffee.
According to recent research from the UK1, 76 per cent of respondents agree that a coffee break opens up opportunities to collaborate across different functions to build new connections. Further, more than two-thirds of employees feel more motivated after a coffee break.
“An easy to use, commercial quality coffee machine that delivers a café quality cup every time is key to keeping the coffee lovers happy and connected,” shared Zahra.
2. Boost your workplace perks offering.
A recent ABC News report predicted that by the end of 2025 customers could be paying as much as $10 for a take-away cafe coffee, thanks to higher bean and wage costs2.
As cost-of-living constraints remain top of mind for most employees, it’s not surprising to hear that research from digital payment platform Square3 uncovered workers are ditching the pre-work café coffee in favour of making their own when they get to work.
Providing quality coffee, sweet and savoury snacks, fresh fruit and other perks shows employees that their employer is committed to their wellbeing.
Zahra recommends L’OR Espresso Coffee Capsules Breakfast Collection Box 40. “This box includes a selection of four rich full-bodied varieties of coffee so there’s something for everyone in the team. It’s the perfect morning kick-start,” said Zahra.
For non-coffee drinkers, Zahra suggests Twinings English Breakfast Enveloped Tea Bags Carton 500 “a blend that’s perfect for the morning or to re-energise in the afternoon. The 500 enveloped tea bags carton is ideal for larger workplaces. It works out to be incredibly cost effective.”
And nothing goes better with a cup of tea or coffee than a chockie bickie such as the Arnott’s Tim Tam Biscuit Portion Control Carton 150. The combination of crunchy biscuit, smooth velvety filling, and chocolate coating… it’s no wonder they’re Australia’s most loved chocolate biscuit! My favourite way to have one? The Tim Tam Slam, of course!” said Zahra.
3. Save money and minimise workplace disruption.
While coffee breaks are shown to be beneficial, frequent offsite coffee runs can impact workplace productivity, with a round trip for a take-away averaging around 20 minutes. Over time, this quick break adds up to about 80 hours of lost productivity per employee, per year. Considering the Australian average hourly rate is around $40, loss in productivity is estimated at $3,200 per employee, per year.
Investing in a coffee machine and providing employees with good quality coffee and small snacks could save your business thousands of dollars per year.
“Beyond the cost-saving benefits, providing a high-quality onsite coffee solution helps minimise workplace disruptions and maintain focus,” said Zahra.
4. Maintain a high level of employee productivity.
We’ve all experienced the 3pm slump. When energy, focus and productivity start to decline in the afternoon, ensure employees have access to snacks to keep productivity high.
“Offering a healthy option that’s quick to grab, such as a handful of Victoria Gardens Celebration Mix Nuts & Rice Crackers Snack 700g can provide a boost of energy, improve mood and focus concentration during the afternoon hours,” suggested Zahra.
Or for a perfect afternoon sweet treat, or late meeting when a quick sugar hit is the only thing that will keep the team going, Allen’s Retro Party Mix includes a everyone’s favourites such as teeth, milk bottles and cool cola bottles.
Keeping a well-stocked workplace kitchen and providing employees with a central meeting hub for relaxation and refuelling can help to create a happier and healthier workplace.
Fuel a more productive workplace with our kitchen essentials here.
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