In today’s work culture, where employee wellbeing and engagement are top priorities, even small gestures can have a big impact. One of them? Coffee. Providing a high-quality coffee maker for office isn’t just a practical upgrade—it’s a strategic investment that can lift morale, foster team connection, and support productivity throughout the day.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this article:
- A coffee maker for office as a social connector
- How coffee reflects your company culture
- The link between coffee and performance
- Shaping a positive workplace image
- Responding to evolving coffee habits
- Why work with a professional partner
- Discover illy coffee solutions
A coffee maker for office as a social connector
Coffee in the workplace is a social moment that encourages spontaneous conversations, builds cross-functional bonds, and fosters informal collaboration. A well-placed coffee maker for office or modern vending machines can become a central hub for human connection.
According to an illy UK workplace survey (2024), 70% of employees consider coffee an important part of their daily social routine, and moments spent around the coffee machine often serve as informal spaces for sharing ideas and decompressing.
How coffee reflects your company culture
Offering high-quality coffee shows employees they are valued. It’s a tangible gesture of attention to their wellbeing.
The same survey reveals that:
- 86% of employees feel their company cares about them when quality coffee is offered
- 75% consider access to high-quality coffee important or very important during their workday
- 30% are not satisfied with the current coffee quality in their workplace
(Source: illy UK survey – August 2024)
Small but visible upgrades, such as a professional coffee maker, contribute directly to workplace satisfaction and reinforce a company’s reputation as a caring employer.
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Boosting focus and productivity
There is a direct link between coffee and performance. High-quality coffee can enhance concentration, support workflow rhythms, and contribute to mental clarity. In fact:
- 83% of employees state that better coffee improves their focus and productivity
- Providing premium coffee increases the likelihood that employees will stay in the office up to one hour longer per week
(Source: illy UK survey – August 2024)
In hybrid or full-office contexts, coffee becomes a tangible way to improve work experience and motivation across all teams.
Shaping a positive workplace image
Quality coffee also contributes to how a company is perceived from the inside. According to the same illy UK insights:
- 82% of employees agree that premium coffee improves their perception of the company as a good place to work
- coffee zones with good design and comfortable settings enhance daily experience
- offering consistency, variety, and personalisation shows the company values employee experience in every detail
The result? A stronger internal brand and greater talent retention.
The price of coffee on the high street is also increasing due to rise of green coffee prices. Therefore employees will be urged to replace their cafe bought barista coffee with the coffee offering at work to keep their daily costs down. This will mean more employees will be shaped to a positive workplace image if you have an offering that allows them to keep their daily spends down.

Responding to evolving coffee habits
Today’s employees are used to high-quality coffee at home or from their favourite café — and they expect the same standard at work. A basic office coffee machine no longer meets the mark.
According to an illy UK survey (2024), 72% of UK households brew ground or whole-bean coffee at home and are unwilling to compromise on quality when out-of-home.
This means a good coffee maker for office should offer more than just espresso. Employees increasingly look for:
- plant-based options like oat milk
- cold brew or iced coffee formats
- the freedom to choose their favourite drink, from cappuccino to flat white
Offering this variety — with consistent quality — helps meet modern expectations and turns a simple break into a valued part of the day.
Why work with a professional partner
Selecting the right coffee maker for office or a vending machine that delivers high-quality coffee affects employee satisfaction and brand perception.
A professional coffee partner can offer:
- tailored solutions for small teams or large offices
- reliable machines, regular maintenance and technical support
- sustainable, traceable coffee with consistent quality
- a wide variety of drinks, including dairy-free and seasonal options
- personalised training and setup for a seamless experience
Try it for yourself: discover illy coffee solutions
With over 90 years of expertise, illy offers tailored coffee solutions for the workplace that combine advanced technology, sustainable quality, and a consistently smooth taste.
Whether you run a creative studio or a large corporate HQ, illy can help you transform your coffee corner into a space for motivation, collaboration and wellbeing.
Ready to offer a better coffee experience at work?
Request a free trial of the illy office coffee solution most suited to your space and team needs. Discover how the right coffee maker for office can energise your people—and your business.
The office coffee break plays an important role in the context of employee wellbeing, positively influencing morale, creativity and collaboration, crucial elements for a stimulating and productive working environment.
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