Location, Location, Location
- Choose a central, easy to access location. Avoid tucked away corners or areas with little foot traffic. You want your coffee and tea station to get noticed!
- Make sure the space is large enough to accommodate brewers, a sink, counters, storage and multiple people. Crowded stations are frustrating.
- Near the breakroom or kitchen is ideal so drinks can be accompanied by snacks.
- Stations near windows or natural light are more appealing.
- A location near restrooms makes it easy for employees to quickly grab drinks.
The Brewers
- Provide high-quality, commercial grade brewers. A sturdy professional model will hold up better under constant use.
- Offer both drip coffee and single cup brewers like Keurig. This satisfies both coffee purists and those who like variety.
- Include an electric kettle for boiling water for tea, instant coffee, oatmeal etc.
- Post clear instructions for operating each machine near the station. Keep manuals handy too.
- Have brewers serviced regularly to keep them running smoothly. Proper maintenance prevents issues.
Drink Options
- Offer a selection of teas – black, green, herbal, caffeinated and decaf. Tea bags or loose tea with infusers both work.
- Stock coffee – light roast, dark roast, decaf, flavored. Provide condiments like half and half, milk, sugar and sweeteners.
- Consider signage listing available drinks and how to prepare them. This aids newcomers.
- Try non-caffeinated beverages like hot cocoa or cider in colder months.
- Flavored syrups, whip cream and seasonal options also add variety.
- Keep drink supplies well stocked – paper cups, lids, stirrers etc. Monitor daily and restock as needed.
Extras
- Provide snacks like biscotti, bagels, donuts, fruit or granola bars. Let employees pair treats with their drinks.
- Play relaxing music at a low volume to create a cafe ambiance.
- Decorate the station for holidays to spread cheer.
- Add small tables and chairs so employees can linger when possible. Community boosts morale.
- Keep sink area stocked with dish soap, sponges, paper towels for cleaning up spills easily.
- A mini-fridge can hold milk, cream and other perishables at proper temperature.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Discard old coffee, tea and other expired drinks daily. Stale drinks are unappealing.
- Give brewers a thorough daily cleaning. Remove mineral buildup and residue regularly.
- Empty and rinse coffee grounds, tea bags and infusers bin frequently to prevent odors.
- Wipe down counters, tables and chairs daily to remove spills and dirt.
- Take apart and deep clean equipment weekly. This prevents growth of mold and bacteria over time.
- Repair leaks, clogs or other issues promptly. Don’t allow broken equipment to linger.
Promotion
- Send out emails or flyers announcing new coffee and tea options. Generate excitement!
- Consider contests like voting for a “Coffee/Tea of the Month” selected by employees.
- Use signage attractively highlighting seasonal or limited time drink offerings.
- During meetings or company gatherings, make the coffee/tea station a centralized social hub.
Tips for Success
- Survey employees about what types of drinks they’d utilize most. Supply what is popular.
- Train multiple staff members how to properly operate equipment and restock supplies.
- Budget adequately for initial purchase of equipment plus ongoing supply costs.
- Check drink inventory levels often. Shortages lead to frustration. Overstocking leads to waste.
- Keep the area clean! Dirty stations repel employees. Cleanliness makes it inviting.
- Solicit feedback regularly. Make improvements based on employee suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do we need for a coffee station?
Aim for at least a 6×6 foot area for the coffee and tea station itself. More space allows for extra seating. Nearby counters can hold additional supplies.
What’s the best coffee brewer for offices?
Commercial grade drip coffee makers with thermal carafes are ideal for office spaces. Models like Bunn or Bloomfield are made for repeated brewing.
Should we provide snacks at the coffee station?
Offering snacks is recommended. Coffee and tea pair nicely with small bites like muffins, bagels, cookies or fruit. Just be sure to check for any employee allergy issues.
How often should coffee and tea be brewed fresh?
Most experts recommend brewing a new pot every 1-2 hours maximum. Brew too infrequently and drinks taste bitter and stale.
What supplies should we keep on hand?
Keep drink staples stocked like coffee, teas, cups, lids, stirrers and condiments. Maintain cleaning supplies like paper towels, dish soap and sponges. Check stock daily.
How can we get employees to use the station?
Promote the coffee station through email, signage and word-of-mouth. Make it visible and inviting. Survey staff on preferred drinks. Add seasonal offerings and variety.
Conclusion
Creating an inviting, delicious coffee and tea station has multiple benefits for your workplace. Employees have access to energy-boosting drinks and a space to socialize and recharge. Following these tips will help your office coffee station become a rousing success! Supply quality brewers and drinks, keep it clean and stocked, and solicit ongoing feedback from staff. A coffee and tea oasis contributes to productivity, morale and workplace culture.
