Coffee is one of the most unifying products we have, consumed in high volume all around the globe. It's been part of our lives since the 15th century, and with an industry now worth more than $100 billion worldwide, it is the second most sought-after commodity. Coffee has a significant place in our lives and in our workplaces; without it, how many of us would see a huge decline in our overall happiness? Workplace productivity would be sure to decline, too, without our steady cups of coffee throughout the day, here we look into the data of coffee in the workplace:

  • 65% of workers consume coffee in the workplace
  • Three cups of coffee per day is the average amount consumed per employee
  • 38% of employees state that they wouldn't get through a typical workday without it
  • 1 in 5 workers say that the quality of their work would be negatively affected without their coffee intake 

Coffee clearly plays an important role within the workplace. As an employer, it makes business sense to buy coffee beans for the break room or buy a vending machine that'll tempt your staff to remain in the office, reducing the need to leave the building in search of a good cup of coffee. But this isn't its only benefit within the office, and daily coffee consumption can have a great number of benefits for employees and employers alike.

How coffee can improve focus within the workplace

There has been extensive research into caffeine consumption and how it is linked to increases in performance, concentration, and alertness. Over recent years there has been a widespread desire for coffee in the workplace, whether that may be a factory, office, construction site canteen, or hospital. Coffee is very much ingrained into the work culture, with a 'coffee break' being a universally recognized 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 stay focused. Caffeine provides the central nervous system with a much-welcomed boost to the brain's productions of a neurochemical called dopamine, which will help 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. 

A coffee break improves work performance

It may seem counterproductive that taking a break in the workplace is actually good for work productivity, but it's actually 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 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. 

It can reduce pain for office workers 

A small study undertaken by the National Institute for Health discovered that employees who consumed coffee before sitting at their desk experienced fewer aches and pains than employees who didn't. 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. 

It's a social enabler 

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. Social interaction can have a hugely positive effect on productivity. 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 that included more than 10,000 professionals found that 85% were drinking at least 3 cups of coffee per day. Almost 70% of those surveyed said that their job performance would be affected without consuming coffee throughout the day. 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. 

As an employer, the happiness of employees is key to a successful operation. As an employee, with having to spend a huge portion of your life at work, it really needs to be a nice place to be, and it seems with the consumption of coffee, many boxes can be ticked.