Coffee Machines Industry Trends Blog

How To Set Up An Office Coffee Station

01 February 2024
Marketing Team
Marketing Team
Bean to cup coffee machines featuring a Jura Giga X8 in an office kitchen

In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, where collaboration and productivity are key to employee satisfaction and operations efficiency, an office coffee station has evolved from a simple caffeine pitstop to a vital hub for employee interaction and rejuvenation.

Introducing the concept of leasing office coffee machines brings forth a strategic advantage for businesses and understanding how to set up a coffee station that caters to the needs and preferences of a company’s employees is essential.

In this guide, we will navigate through the essential steps to creating an office coffee station that not only functions seamlessly but becomes a space that your employees will absolutely love.

Five steps to setting up an office coffee station your employees will love

Creating a welcoming and efficient coffee station involves a few critical steps. Let’s explore these to ensure your office coffee station is not just functional but also a favourite spot among your employees.

1. Find the perfect location for the coffee station

Choosing the right location for your coffee station is crucial to its success and effectiveness. While communal areas like kitchens and breakrooms are ideal for fostering interaction, it’s essential to broaden the scope. Consider incorporating coffee stations into different office zones, including reception areas, communal spaces, and collaboration zones, productivity pods, waiting areas, designated quite corners and more. This strategic placement caters to diverse preferences and work habits, making it more inclusive and engaging for all staff members. Optimise visibility in these spaces to encourage usage by both employees and visitors, maintaining a balance between accessibility and avoiding potential distractions at workspaces.

Remember to consider the traffic flow within the office environment to avoid congestion, and also to ensure the convenience and accessibility for all staff members, thereby fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and efficiency in the workplace. By exploring various office areas, you can tap into creative possibilities and enhance the overall atmosphere, meeting the unique needs of your workforce.

 

2. Choose a quality office coffee machine

When it comes to setting up an office coffee station, opting to lease a commercial coffee machine can bring a host of advantages for businesses. Benefits go from the flexibility of equipment options catering to the needs and size of different office spaces to included maintenance and repair packages and overall cost-effectiveness. Here are some of our top picks for office coffee machines:

Franke A600 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine

Franke A600

The Franke A600 is the new standard in the mid-capacity range. The clear touchscreen with its three customisable user interfaces provides an ideal basis for users to interact with the machine.

  • Capacity: 150 Cups per day
  • Type of Machine: Bean to cup
  • Dimensions: (H) 76.0cm x (W) 34.0cm x (D) 60.0cm
  • Milk options: Fresh Milk
  • Water supply: Mains fed

The practical bean hopper, the precision bean grinder with ceramic discs and the selection from among three different brewing units all combine to deliver perfect coffee. In combination with its range of unique features, the A600 is the optimal solution for any beverage needs.

Jura Giga X3 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine

Jura Giga X3

The Jura Giga X3 Gen II Professional is the result of years of innovation from the team at Jura, with a 1 kg bean hopper complete with aroma protecting over, automatic air ventilation to preserve the coffee delivery and a whopping 43 programmable specialities at your fingertips.

  • Capacity: 180 Cups per day
  • Type of Machine: Bean to cup
  • Dimensions: (H) 55cm x (W) 37cm x (D) 49.7cm
  • Milk options: Fresh Milk
  • Water tank size: 5 Litres
  • Water supply: Tank or Mains Fed
Coffetek Vitro S1 Espresso Coffee Machine With Coffee

Coffetek Vitro S1

The Coffetek Vitro S1 Espresso is a compact coffee machine designed to provide the highest quality of coffee espresso based drinks into any location that consumes less than 60 cups per day.

  • Capacity: 60 Cups per day
  • Type of Machine: Bean to cup
  • Dimensions: (H) 62.5cm x (W) 30.5cm x (D) 43.0cm
  • Milk options: Granulated Milk
  • Water supply: Mains fed

We provide flexible 3 or 5-year lease options, across all of these machines. Offering not only reliability but also catering to the diverse tastes of a busy office environment, perfect for the modern office coffee station.

But read more in our complete guide on the best office coffee machines.

 

3. Drink variety: ensure all your workers’ favourite drinks are provided

An ideal drinks station is designed to cater to a wide array of preferences and tastes. This involves providing a comprehensive range of options, which includes various types of coffee such as espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, and more each crafted to suit different palates.
But the offerings shouldn’t stop at coffee.

Recognising that not everyone is a coffee enthusiast, a great station also includes various alternatives. From classic tea and coffee to rich, creamy hot chocolate, perfect for those who prefer a sweet, comforting drink. A selection of teas should always be available, ranging from classic black and green teas to herbal and fruit infusions, catering to tea lovers and perhaps those seeking a caffeine-free option.

The goal of such a diverse selection is to ensure that every individual, regardless of their drink preference, finds something that delights them. It’s not just about quenching thirst or getting a caffeine fix; it’s about creating a space where there is something for everyone.

 

4. Choose a quality office coffee machine

A well-stocked coffee station is a functional coffee station. Your coffee station should be well-stocked at all times with different cups for various drinks, saucers, sugars, sweeteners, napkins, spoons, and a fridge stocked with various types of milk. If possible and on par with your sustainability initiatives, it is also an option to stock your break area with the appropriate – and reusable – takeaway cups and lids, ensuring the safety of anyone leaving the communal area or office with their hot beverage.

These essentials ensure a smooth and enjoyable coffee experience for everyone.

 

5. Decorate your office coffee station

Elevate your coffee station from a functional space to a haven by adding thoughtful decor. Consider incorporating elements like plants, art prints, or a stylish table for the coffee machine.

A well-designed space not only looks appealing but also communicates the value placed on employee comfort and satisfaction. This will also help make a great impression for any visitors and potential clients using the coffee station in the office.

Talk to our team to build a quote for your office’s commercial coffee machine

We’ll guide you through all the options to give you a breakdown of the costs you can expect when partnering with Vending Sense.

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Person making latte art in a green coffee cup

The benefits of a modern office coffee station

Beyond functionality, a modern office coffee station offers an array of benefits that contribute to a positive work environment:

 

Boost morale

A well-curated coffee station, meticulously arranged and thoughtfully equipped, is more than just a source of caffeine; it’s proven to be a significant morale booster. This thoughtful amenity signifies a tangible investment in employee well-being, fostering an environment that leads to substantially increased levels of happiness and satisfaction within the workplace, thereby creating a more positive and productive atmosphere at work.

 

Increase productivity

A coffee station within the workplace, well-stocked with a variety of high-quality beverages, plays a pivotal role in increasing employee productivity. This office addition effectively reduces the time spent on lengthy off-site coffee runs, minimising workday disruptions and maintaining a continuous flow of productivity.

The presence of a coffee station directly impacts employee energy levels. Access to caffeine, a known stimulant, can enhance focus and concentration, leading to a more dynamic and efficient work environment. When employees have the luxury of quickly grabbing a cup of coffee, they are more likely to stay alert and energised throughout the day, translating into a higher calibre of work and a faster pace of task completion. They provide mental breaks that can refresh and refocus the mind, indirectly contributing to productivity by preventing burnout and fostering a more harmonious workplace.

 

Improved office culture

Providing a selection of quality hot drinks as a part of your office perks is more than just a small convenience; it’s a significant and effective strategy for cultivating a positive, inclusive, and welcoming workplace culture. This seemingly small gesture can enhance the overall office atmosphere, encouraging a sense of belonging and appreciation among the staff.

It can serve as a communal point where employees gather, share ideas, and unwind, thereby promoting better communication and collaboration. In this way, something as simple as a well-stocked tea and coffee station in the office can contribute to boosting morale, improving productivity, and fostering a more harmonious and engaged workplace environment.

 

Key considerations when setting up an office coffee station

01
Coffee consumption

Gaining insight into the coffee and hot drink consumption habits in your office is vital. This understanding helps in choosing a coffee machine that not only meets the daily demand but also ensures everyone gets their preferred beverage without long wait times.

It’s important to consider not just the number of employees, but also their coffee drinking frequency and preferences. This will then help in selecting a machine with the right capacity and variety, ensuring that all tastes are catered to, and reducing the risk of overburdening the machine during peak times.

02
Office size

The size and layout of your office plays a significant role in determining the most suitable location for your coffee station. A well-placed coffee station should be easily accessible to all employees, ideally central to various work areas to minimise disruption.

It’s not just about fitting the coffee machine into a space; you also need to consider the surrounding area for queues and social interaction. A coffee station can become a social hub, so ensuring there’s enough room in the chosen space for this without interfering with the work environment is crucial for a positive office atmosphere.

03
Budget

Setting up a coffee station in the office is a balance between providing a valuable perk to employees and managing financial resources wisely. When budgeting, it’s important to look beyond the initial cost of the coffee machine and consider ongoing expenses such as maintenance, supplies, and potential upgrades.

The goal is to find a solution that offers quality drinks to boost morale and productivity, without placing strain on the company’s finances. This might involve comparing different machines, looking at lease options versus outright purchases, and considering the long-term savings of a more efficient, albeit initially more expensive, machine.

 

Open Plan Office Space With Two Coffee Machines On A Counter Top Space

An office coffee station to be proud of

In conclusion, an office coffee station is more than a convenience; it becomes a statement of care and appreciation towards your employees. By following these steps and considerations, you can create a space that not only serves great coffee but also becomes a cornerstone for enhanced workplace morale, productivity, and culture. Transform your office coffee station into a welcoming haven, a testament to your commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being.

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