Is an office coffee machine subscription worth it?

Today, coffee in the office is a central part of workplace culture and employee wellbeing. As companies look for ways to enhance the employee experience, particularly in the return-to-office era, many are considering an office coffee machine subscription. But is it truly worth the investment?

This article explores the real value of a subscription model for office coffee machines, looking at quality, employee expectations, operational benefits and return on investment.

Contents:

• What is an office coffee machine subscription?
• Value beyond the machine
• Meeting employee expectations
• Cost vs. benefit
• When does a subscription make sense
• Key considerations before subscribing
• More than just a perk
• Request your free trial 

What is an office coffee machine subscription?

An office coffee machine subscription is a service model that provides businesses with high-quality coffee solutions on a monthly or annual plan. 

Typically, the offer includes:

• a professional coffee machine tailored to office size and consumption
• regular supply of beans, capsules, or ground coffee
• maintenance and servicing
• training and setup support
• flexible contract options

It’s a plug-and-play approach that removes the need for ad hoc purchasing and technical maintenance, while elevating the in-office coffee experience.

Including your coffee machine into your monthly subscription, the coffee machine can be effectively dialled in to the right setting to produce the perfect illy coffee, the tailored approach can allow for the best quality serve every time.

Value beyond the machine: quality, variety and support

While the machine itself is important, the value of a subscription lies in the ecosystem that supports it. A good plan provides:

• consistent coffee quality across all beverages
• regular maintenance and cleaning, reducing downtime
• variety of options for different taste profiles — from espresso to oat milk cappuccinos
• sustainable sourcing and recyclable packaging, aligning with ESG goals

Top-tier subscriptions also include machines with programmable drink menus and intuitive interfaces, allowing employees to personalise their experience — a subtle but powerful workplace benefit.

Meeting employee expectations

Coffee is part of the daily routine for millions in the UK: 76% of adults drink coffee, and 83% of office workers say it helps improve focus and productivity.

Recent surveys show that:

• 86% of employees feel more valued when high-quality coffee is available
• 82% say it contributes to a positive company culture
• 70% believe it encourages teamwork and informal interaction

In this light, a office coffee subscription becomes more than a utility — it’s an investment in workplace satisfaction, social connection, and employer branding.

Cost vs. benefit: breaking down the ROI

Investing in office coffee machines may seem like an additional expense at first glance — but when assessed holistically, it reveals a compelling value proposition. Beyond the fixed costs, the benefits extend to employee wellbeing, operational efficiency, and even brand perception.

The following table offers a clear overview of the direct costs involved and the wider advantages that can impact workplace culture, productivity, and long-term retention.

For organisations with a medium to large headcount, especially those offering hybrid or full-time in-office roles, the return becomes clear over time.

When does a subscription make sense?

While not every business needs a subscription model, it becomes a smart solution when:

• daily consumption exceeds 30–50 cups
• the company wants to offer a premium employee experience
• there’s no in-house resource to manage procurement and maintenance
• the coffee corner is a key social or client-facing area

Sectors like consulting, finance, tech, and creative industries often benefit the most, where both performance and hospitality matter.

Key considerations before subscribing

Before committing to a provider, assess the following:

• usage levels: know how many employees regularly drink coffee and at what times
• coffee preferences: do staff prefer espresso, filter, or milk-based drinks? Are plant-based milks important?
• available space: consider whether the setup fits your office layout
• sustainability goals: check if the service aligns with your environmental targets — such as recyclable packaging or energy-efficient machines
• support and service: a good provider will offer responsive assistance, fast repairs and flexible delivery options

Also consider how the machine and drinks interface will integrate with your overall workplace design — from user experience to aesthetics.

A strategic investment, not just a perk

An office coffee machine subscription reflects the growing importance of workplace wellbeing, culture and employee experience.

With hybrid work reshaping office life, many companies are rethinking what makes the workplace appealing — and quality coffee plays an unexpectedly central role. It's a daily ritual, a moment of connection, and a small luxury that can make a big impact.

When implemented with care, a subscription model can:

• raise satisfaction
• strengthen culture
• improve productivity
• deliver operational efficiency

For companies seeking to enhance their office environment, partnering with a high-quality coffee provider can deliver measurable returns — both in performance and perception. 

illy, with its tailored solutions for medium and large enterprises, offers a curated experience that combines premium coffee, cutting-edge equipment and full-service support.

Discover how premium coffee can elevate your workplace.
Request your free trial today.