When businesses think about employee perks, they often picture gym memberships, free lunches or team-building days.
While these benefits certainly have their place, one of the most appreciated workplace perks is much simpler:
Great refreshments.
A high-quality hot drinks machine provides employees with coffee, tea and other hot drinks every single working day, making it one of the few workplace investments that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you manage an office, warehouse, factory or commercial premises, investing in workplace refreshments can improve employee satisfaction, create a better visitor experience and add genuine value to the working day.
At A Glance:
|
Best for |
Businesses looking for an everyday employee benefit |
|
Main benefit |
A perk employees can enjoy throughout the working day |
|
Suitable for |
Offices, warehouses, factories, showrooms and commercial workplaces |
|
Drink options |
Coffee, tea, herbal tea, hot chocolate and speciality drinks |
|
Machine options |
Bean-to-cup, FLAVIA and KLIX |
|
Also benefits |
Visitors, clients and interview candidates |
Why Workplace Refreshments Matter
Employee expectations have changed.
Today’s workforce values workplaces that are comfortable, welcoming and well equipped.
That doesn’t always mean expensive perks.
Often, it’s the everyday experiences that have the greatest impact.
A reliable hot drinks machine gives employees easy access to:
- Premium coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Speciality drinks
- Refreshments throughout the day
These small moments contribute to a more enjoyable workplace environment.
What Makes a Good Employee Perk?
The best employee perks aren’t necessarily the most expensive. They’re the benefits that employees genuinely value and can use regularly.
A great workplace perk should ideally be:
- Inclusive – available to as many employees as possible.
- Easy to use – without complicated sign-ups or eligibility requirements.
- Regularly available – rather than something employees receive once or twice a year.
- Useful – adding something positive to the everyday working experience.
- Visible – so employees actually notice the investment their employer is making.
Quality workplace refreshments tick all of these boxes. A coffee, cup of tea or hot chocolate might seem like a small thing, but it’s a benefit employees can enjoy every working day.
Unlike many traditional employee benefits, it also doesn’t depend on someone’s job title, fitness level, hobbies or lifestyle.
Sometimes the perks people appreciate most are simply the ones they actually use.
A Workplace Perk That Everyone Can Use
Many employee benefits only appeal to certain groups of people.
For example:
- Gym memberships may not suit everyone.
- Company cars are only available to some employees.
- Bonuses are often role-dependent.
A workplace hot drinks machine is different.
Whether someone drinks coffee, tea or hot chocolate, almost everyone benefits from having quality refreshments readily available.
It’s one of the few workplace investments that supports employees across every department.
Encourages Employees to Stay On Site
Many employees leave the workplace each day to buy drinks from nearby cafés or coffee shops.
Providing high-quality workplace refreshments makes it easier for people to stay on site during breaks.
Benefits include:
- Greater convenience
- Less time spent leaving the workplace
- Better use of break periods
- A more enjoyable workplace environment
The goal isn’t to stop employees taking breaks—it’s to make those breaks just as enjoyable within the workplace.
Supports Employee Wellbeing
Taking regular breaks is an important part of maintaining focus and wellbeing.
A workplace drinks station encourages employees to step away from their desks, take a short break and recharge before returning to work.
Creating welcoming breakout spaces with quality refreshments helps support healthier working habits throughout the day.
Creates Better First Impressions
Your drinks machine isn’t just for employees.
Visitors, clients and interview candidates often experience your refreshment facilities too.
Offering premium drinks demonstrates attention to detail and helps create a positive impression from the moment someone walks through the door.
Whether it’s a freshly made coffee or a quality cup of tea, refreshments contribute to a more professional visitor experience.
Offers More Than Just Coffee
Modern hot drinks machines provide much more than coffee.
Many workplace systems can serve:
- Lavazza coffee
- Twinings tea
- Herbal teas
- Hot chocolate
- Decaffeinated options
- Speciality drinks
This wider choice helps ensure every employee and visitor can find something they enjoy.
Suitable for Every Type of Workplace
Hot drinks machines aren’t just for offices.
They’re increasingly popular in:
Offices
Supporting employees, meetings and visitors.
Warehouses
Providing convenient refreshments during busy shifts.
Manufacturing Facilities
Helping teams enjoy quick, reliable drinks during break times.
Showrooms
Creating a welcoming experience for customers.
Reception Areas
Making meetings and interviews feel more professional.
Choosing the Right Workplace Drinks Machine
The best solution depends on your business.
Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines
Ideal for businesses wanting freshly ground coffee and café-style drinks.
FLAVIA Drinks Systems
Perfect for workplaces with a mix of coffee and tea drinkers.
KLIX Hot Drinks Machines
Designed for busy workplaces requiring reliability, speed and minimal maintenance.
Selecting the right system ensures your refreshment facilities match the needs of your workforce.
Is a Workplace Coffee Machine Worth the Investment?
For many businesses, the answer is yes.
Unlike perks that are used occasionally, workplace refreshments become part of employees’ daily routines.
The return isn’t measured purely in cups of coffee.
It’s reflected in:
- Better employee experience
- Improved visitor impressions
- More enjoyable break areas
- Greater workplace convenience
- Everyday appreciation from staff
It’s a benefit people notice because they use it every day.
How Does Workplace Coffee Compare With Other Employee Perks?
|
Employee perk |
Used regularly? |
Widely accessible? |
Supports social interaction? |
|
Quality workplace refreshments |
Daily |
Very high |
Yes |
|
Gym membership |
Varies |
Varies |
Sometimes |
|
Team events |
Occasional |
Usually |
Yes |
|
Free lunches |
Depends on employer |
Usually |
Yes |
|
Retail discounts |
Varies |
Usually |
No |
|
Company car |
Daily |
Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hot drinks machines a good employee benefit?
Yes. They provide an everyday workplace perk that is accessible to most employees and can improve the overall workplace experience.
What drinks can workplace hot drinks machines provide?
Depending on the machine, options may include coffee, tea, herbal teas, hot chocolate, speciality coffees and decaffeinated drinks.
Which workplaces benefit from hot drinks machines?
Hot drinks machines are suitable for offices, warehouses, factories, reception areas, showrooms, hospitals and commercial workplaces.
What is the best hot drinks machine for a workplace?
The right choice depends on your workforce. Bean-to-cup machines are ideal for premium coffee, FLAVIA systems offer a broad range of branded drinks, and KLIX machines are designed for busy, high-demand environments.
Why do businesses invest in workplace refreshments?
Businesses often invest in refreshments to improve employee satisfaction, support wellbeing, enhance visitor experiences and create a more welcoming working environment.
Are workplace refreshments an expensive employee perk?
Not necessarily. The cost depends on the type of machine, number of employees and daily drinks volume. Because workplace refreshments are used regularly by employees across the business, they can offer excellent value compared with benefits that are only used occasionally or by a smaller proportion of the workforce.
How do I choose a workplace drinks machine for my employees?
Start by considering how many drinks your workplace needs each day and what your employees actually drink. A workplace dominated by coffee drinkers may prefer a bean-to-cup machine, while a team wanting coffee, tea and hot chocolate may benefit from a broader drinks system such as FLAVIA or KLIX. Space, maintenance requirements and budget should also be considered.
Final Thoughts
The most valuable workplace perks aren’t always the most expensive.
They’re the ones people use consistently.
A quality hot drinks machine supports employees every day, enhances the workplace for visitors and helps create an environment where people enjoy spending time.
We also have a great advice about understanding drinks volume that you should check out.
Whether you’re choosing a bean-to-cup coffee machine, a FLAVIA drinks system or a KLIX hot drinks machine, investing in workplace refreshments is an investment in the everyday experience of your business.
Want to Create a Better Workplace Experience?
Great workplace refreshments are just one part of creating an environment employees and visitors enjoy. Explore our guides for more practical advice.
Want to improve your workplace culture?
Discover ten practical ways to support employee wellbeing, engagement and productivity.
→ Read: 10 Office Culture Ideas That Boost Employee Wellbeing, Engagement and Productivity
Wondering how much workplace coffee could save?
See how the cost of daily takeaway coffee adds up and why providing premium coffee at work can make financial sense.
→ Read: Is Your Daily Takeaway Coffee Costing More Than You Think?
Ready to choose a machine?
Compare machine types, capacities, drink choices and maintenance requirements.
→ Read: The Ultimate Office Coffee Machine Buying Guide
Not sure what your workplace needs?
Tell us about your team, daily drinks volume and requirements and we’ll help you find the right solution.
