In today’s workplace culture, employee wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a strategic lever for productivity. Coffee, a staple of daily office life, is taking centre stage—not just as a functional drink, but as an opportunity to elevate motivation, engagement and retention.
In this article, we explore how investing in office coffee machines can impact more than just the coffee break.
Read on!
Why office coffee machines matter in the modern workplace
As hybrid work models evolve and companies encourage employees to return to the office, coffee emerges as more than a perk—it becomes a symbol of care and corporate culture.
In the UK, over 75% of adults drink coffee daily. For office workers, this figure rises to 83%, and quality matters more than ever: nearly one in three employees are dissatisfied with the coffee available at their workplace. The majority say that high-quality coffee helps them focus better and feel more productive.
Providing premium coffee isn’t just about satisfying a preference. It’s about supporting energy levels, encouraging social interaction, and creating micro-moments of motivation throughout the day.
Quality coffee, real impact: motivation, productivity, retention
Choosing the right office coffee machines is a strategic move that can positively influence how employees feel, perform and collaborate.
- Motivation: a well-crafted coffee is a tangible signal that the company values its people. 86% of UK employees say a quality coffee offer makes them feel their employer cares about their wellbeing.
- Teamwork: coffee breaks facilitate informal conversations and spontaneous collaboration. 70% of workers believe coffee helps foster connection and creativity.
- Retention: employees who enjoy their office environment are more likely to stay. Offering good coffee can boost workplace satisfaction and make your company a more attractive place to work.
What makes an office coffee brewer truly effective?
Today’s office coffee machines are expected to deliver more than just speed. Performance, sustainability, ease of use and customisation have become essential criteria when selecting the right solution for the workplace. A truly effective brewer should combine these elements to enhance both employee satisfaction and the company’s image.
Brewing consistency and cup quality
Whether it’s an espresso, a cappuccino or any milk-based drink, consistency is key. Employees expect the same barista-level quality every time, without compromise. This means investing in machines that can guarantee stable performance and adapt to different preferences. Choosing between bean-to-cup systems, pods or fully automatic brewers depends on the office size, daily consumption, and the variety of beverages you wish to offer.
Sustainability credentials
Sustainability is a core expectation in modern workplaces. Energy-efficient brewers, recyclable capsules and packaging, as well as coffee sourced through responsible supply chains, allow companies to align their coffee culture with their environmental and social commitments. This alignment is particularly valued by younger, eco-conscious employees who see sustainability as part of a company’s identity.
User experience
A modern office coffee brewer should be intuitive and engaging. Touchscreen interfaces, drink customisation options, and even personalised menus transform a simple coffee break into a pleasant ritual. These features reduce friction, save time, and add a touch of enjoyment and personalisation to the busiest of workdays—turning the coffee corner into a real space of connection and wellbeing.
Why investing in quality office coffee machines makes business sense
Beyond the clear internal benefits, offering premium coffee also reflects positively on external stakeholders. Clients, partners, and visitors immediately notice the attention to detail: your coffee corner becomes a symbol of hospitality, professionalism, and brand care.
Consumer trends further reinforce the business case. Demand is rising for variety and personalization: plant-based alternatives, iced formats, functional blends enriched with vitamins or adaptogens, and experiential drinks that go beyond the standard espresso. Investing in modern brewers enables businesses to respond to these expectations with flexibility and style, showcasing adaptability to evolving consumer habits.
Moreover, quality coffee solutions can align with wider corporate values such as sustainability and wellbeing. From energy-efficient machines to responsibly sourced beans and recyclable pods, the choices made in the coffee area can contribute to corporate social responsibility goals.
At illy, we have built our reputation as a global icon of Italian coffee culture by combining passion for quality, innovation, and sustainability. For businesses, this translates into more than just premium blends: we offer flexible office coffee solutions designed to adapt to different workplace sizes, needs, and preferences—whether you want a simple, elegant setup or a full coffee experience corner that surprises and delights.
With illy’s expertise, companies can elevate both the employee experience and their brand image toward clients and partners, all while embracing sustainable practices and responding to new consumer trends.
To let you experience the difference firsthand, we offer a free trial of our office coffee machines and solutions. It’s the simplest way to discover how illy can transform your workplace into a space of well-being, creativity, and hospitality.
Ready to transform your office coffee experience? Request your free trial now!
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.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to the illy Office newsletter!