4 Office Coffee Trends That Engage Millennial Employees
Coffee has become a way of life for most of us. It has become an integral part of many cultures around the world and is one of the most common commodities. It is the drink that kick-starts our day and productivity and can help boost through the midday slump. More than half of adults drink at least one cup a day. This also goes for millennials who are passionate coffee drinkers. When it comes to the office, on average, about 65% of people drink three or more cups each day. Consequently, the availability of these beverages has greatly increased to provide the necessary supply. The change has also taken place for office coffee consumption. Let’s go over some of the shifts to that have taken place and how to take advantage of them.
- The demand for quality
Research has shown that mostly millennials are pushing coffee demands to historical records. Almost half of the female millennials are spending more money on caffeine products than saving for retirement. Notice we said “caffeine products” as they come in many shapes and sizes. Taste is subjective and there is something for everyone. Plain black coffee is, for the most part, a thing of the past as there is a plethora of tastes and combinations to choose from. Between 2008 and 2016 the consumption of gourmet caffeine beverages has soared from 13% to 36% among people 18-24 years of age. And for that 25-39 year-old, it has increased from 19% to 41%. Millennials have massively invested in espresso-based machines and beverages with different brewing methods, like the French Press or the pour over. The point here is that with the record increase in demand, so have followed the demands for quality and variety.
- A positive company culture
For millennials, a good pantry is one of the main pillars of positive office culture and comfort. Consequently, employers are using this amenity to retain their employees (especially the young ones). Adding the benefit of a workplace pantry can enable our employees to indulge in everything from snacks and beverages to full-blown cooked meals. Complimentary food and beverages will lead to a happy workforce and will make them more productive. Coffee being such an integral and essential part of our daily lives is the obvious first choice here. And rightfully so, as it gives us the necessary boost when needed to get through the day, meet those deadlines, and finish the work at hand. A fun fact about coffee and other caffeine products is that they are not stimulants. Rather, caffeine acts as a type of neuroinhibitor and suppresses the chemicals responsible for our sense of tiredness. There are plenty of companies that offer the service of fitting out our office pantry with high-quality coffee like the Lavazza Office Coffee Lavazza Office Coffee. We have all heard at some point in our lives about these caffeine giants as they have something to satisfy everyone’s caffeine craving. Coffee shops are reported to offer more creative atmospheres than an office. So why not combine the two?
- Conscious consumption
People are curious now more than ever and are asking questions like, “Where do the beans come from?” and “Is the product ethical?”. Pretty big questions, but ones that are more and more prevalent as time goes on. Coffee has become a tool that can be used to bring good to the world. Cause-based coffee programs enable us with the opportunity to donate a percentage from each cup to a charity. Workers of our favorite coffee brand are not treated fairly? No problem, we can make a statement by not buying those particular beans and pick the problem by its roots. By simply consuming a caffeinated beverage, millennials are increasingly trying to make the world a better place.
- Minding the alternatives
As millennials are setting new records in coffee consumption, they are also increasingly health-conscious. Reports from 2016 state that tea sales are up almost 6% and just over $7 billion in sales. A large portion of the population, in spite of the enormous variety of caffeinated products offered, prefer tea and other non-caffeinated beverages. These alternatives have similar, if not identical properties, as their caffeine counterparts. Green tea, for example, is the go-to beverage for those that want to go on a caffeine detox. Decaffeinated beverages are also a popular alternative, though many claim that it simply does not taste the same as the more traditional coffees. It is only rational for business owners to keep these alternatives in mind. Stocking the pantry and promoting a more health-oriented working environment with these products can go a long way.
There is a big shift happening in companies that are promoting a higher priority on employee engagement and happiness. It is not just about coffee but something much greater. It is a chance for people to gather around a common interest, collaborate, share ideas, and spark new ones. It is a powerful tool that everyone can relate with. With new generations, the workplace is changing and it is up to us to empower ourselves with all the necessary information and relevant data. Only then can we harness the true power new minds can provide for the world and devise practical solutions for a better tomorrow.