Consumed in high volume around the globe, coffee is one of the most unifying products us humans have. Part of our lives since the 15th century and with an industry now worth more than $100 billion world-wide, this aromatic drink is the second most sought-after commodity. Coffee has a significant place in our everyday lives and in our workplaces, and without it, how many of us would be lost. The scent of a freshly brewed cup first thing in the morning is what entices a lot of us out of bed and the energy boost is gives throughout each day certainly helps with our productivity at work.
Coffee clearly plays an important role within the workplace and many drinkers would agree that the quality of their work would actually be negatively affected without their coffee intake with the beverage being a staple of the typical working day. And though the convenience of a quick fix via some instant coffee granules may seem appealing, the desire for a better brew has become clearly evident in recent years. As an employer it makes perfect business sense to buy coffee beans for the break room that’ll tempt your staff to remain in the office, rather than having them leave the building in search of a better cup of coffee.
Decent coffee at work isn’t the only benefit of this beverage to you and your employees, as the figures above state, coffee is a staple in many people’s working days. There has been extensive research into caffeine consumption and how it is linked to increases in performance, concentration and alertness. It is very much ingrained into the work culture with a ‘coffee break’ being a universally recognised event. Here, we look into the vital role coffee plays in the lives of our workers.
It increases alertness
Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants found in our domestic products and this is what we crave throughout the day to help us to stay focused. Caffeine provides the central nervous system with a much-welcomed boost to the brain’s productions of a neurochemical called dopamine, which helps to improve memory and cognitive function. In addition to this, caffeine also stimulates the cortex of the brain and the spinal cord, which in turn enhances alertness.
It can reduce pain for office workers
A study, undertaken by the National Institute for Health, discovered that employees who consumed coffee before sitting at their desk experienced less aches and pains than employees who did not. Although the study was small, caffeine is an ingredient in many over the counter pain relief medicines and can make them up to 40% more effective.
A coffee break improves work performance and is a social enabler
It may seem counterproductive that taking a break in the workplace is actually good for work productivity, but it has been a prevalent part of the working day since its 20th century invention. Studies show that if employees take coffee breaks together, they demonstrate a united productivity increase. Coffee machines are similar to the office water cooler in the way that they provide employees with the freedom to take a well-needed few minutes’ break and share their thoughts with a fellow employee in a casual way.
Coffee breaks provide a forum for employees to discuss work experiences and build relationships with one another which can create a more atmospheric working environment, with happier, more bonded employees after their visit to the thermal coffee maker. It’s a chance to reset, with employees going back to their desks feeling more refreshed and happier in their place of work. Happier employees are more likely to be retained employees too.
Across the board, employees love it
A survey by PR company Pressat, which included more than 10,000 professionals, found that 85% were drinking at least three cups of coffee per day. Almost 70% of those surveyed said that without consuming coffee, throughout the day, their job performance would be affected. Every industry has its coffee drinkers, but it is those with higher stress jobs, such as teachers, the emergency services and those in the media, who are consuming the most.
