It's no secret that caffeine is a popular pick-me-up among workers. A cup of coffee in the morning can help jumpstart your day, and many people rely on coffee to help them get through long hours at the office. While some may view coffee as a simple way to stay awake and productive, there's actually more to this popular beverage than meets the eye.
The “Third Place”
In 1989, sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” in his groundbreaking book, “The Great Good Place,” which explored the idea of a public, social place outside of home (first place) and work (second place). His concept of third places looks at how public places like coffee shops, bars, hair salons and bookstores are at the heart of communities.
Companies have begun discovering the value of creating third places inside the office – cafés and casual spaces where employees can enjoy coffee, tea or even beer while they connect with colleagues in an informal, relaxed environment. These break zones inside the workplace serve to foster collaboration and creativity.
Key Benefits of Cultivating Coffee Culture in the Workplace
1. Enhanced creativity and problem solving skills
By breaking away from traditional work environments and allowing people to socialize, coffee culture can help spark new ideas and encourage employees to work together more effectively.
2. Improved communication among team members
Whether you're brainstorming new ideas or collaborating on a project, building relationships with your coworkers or team is essential to effective communication. Coffee culture can help promote open communication by providing a relaxed setting for people to interact with one another.
3. Increased motivation and morale
When employees feel like they are part of a community, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated at work. Coffee culture can help build a sense of camaraderie among coworkers, which can lead to higher levels of productivity.
4. Increased retention
According to a survey done by Nespresso:
- 65% of employees expect high-quality coffee in the workplace.
- 77% of employees agree that morning coffee breaks are important.
- 92% of employees want to have a social space (coffee/lunch spaces) in the office.
Conclusion
Historically, the coffee break was seen as an opportunity to put off unpleasant work. But now it’s an opportunity to encourage collaborative work, allowing staff to enjoy a beverage in a communal area where they can share ideas with colleagues.
Looking for ideas on how you can refresh your break room or company’s coffee program? Talk to the team at The Coffee Xperts today and don’t forget to ask us about our special office coffee blend.