I don’t publish many articles about organizing or productivity here, because I figure you guys are already experts in that area. But when Nathan Sharpe of Biznas approached me with his article about the pros and cons of coffee in the workplace, I couldn’t resist! Because coffee…

The relationship between coffee and productivity is not a smooth-sailing one. While millions of coffee enthusiasts around the world swear by the productivity benefits they derive from this humble cup, there are also many non-believers who proclaim that coffee in the workplace deduct from the overall performance of employees.

While many workplace issues have been amazingly resolved in recent years through technology and by automating different business processes, it can be confounding why coffee is still taking the blame for loss of productivity.

Why coffee takes the blame

One of the things employees probably dread the most is having their managers look for them while they are on their coffee breaks. Not being on their desks at that exact moment is often a gateway to many assumptions and misconceptions that they spend every working hour in the office break room or at the coffee shop around the corner.

One study even supported this by revealing that Britons waste an average of 18 hours a year to get a cup of coffee from the local shop. Does it really take so much time to get coffee? Consider this: If employees need to buy coffee outside, the total time they need to straighten up their clothes, maybe put makeup, take the elevator, walk to the shop, order their drink, wait for it and then walk back to the office can be quite lengthy.

Even if a company only has 10 employees, the 180 hours lost is already equal to more than twenty 8-hour days of work lost in a year. For much larger companies, this number will obviously go up.

When coffee is often not the culprit

These findings stated earlier are often enough for most business managers to crucify coffee and put limiting rules on taking breaks. After all, when business productivity goes down, it is easier to blame what they’re seeing or not seeing right before their eyes.

However, there are also many cases when coffee breaks are not even the reason for lost productivity time. There are many other workplace hold ups that usually cause unforeseen delays.  These problems do not render any upside or benefit to the employees or the company.

On the other hand, targeting coffee may be counterproductive because the benefits it brings usually outweigh the disadvantages.

How coffee boosts productivity at the workplace

Taking an office coffee break is considered a part of the routine in the workplace. Many people drink coffee out of habit without really thinking twice about how it affects the way they work. It is then interesting to look at the often overlooked benefits this hot cup of joe may bring to the table.

Coffee boosts energy levels and alertness

There are many triggers that can cause employees to feel sluggish or stressed in the mornings. Partying the night before, insufficient sleep, horrible traffic, or plain tiredness are common reasons why employees may feel slow or heavy-eyed.

In these situations, coffee can be of help. It has been scientifically proven that coffee can increase energy levels and make people feel less tired. Another separate study also found that coffee can improve a person’s alertness. When employees are alert, they are more likely to focus on their work and complete their tasks earlier.

Coffee can help improve reaction time and memory

Aside from feeling more energised and alert, coffee has also been shown to help improve performance, specifically on tasks that require brain power. It is not uncommon to feel bored or sleepy during a long meeting. The dimmed lights, the hum of the projector and the rambling monotone of the client’s voice can present the perfect combination to make anyone space out.

Drinking coffee may just be the solution to avoid these embarrassing situations. According to studies, coffee has been shown to help improve focus and memory. This can result to less forgotten details, no more missed client briefs and better decision making at work.

Free coffee is a sought-after employee perk that affects employee happiness

Most companies offer free coffee to their employees, however, not many would actually go the extra step to provide great-tasting varieties. This is what makes employees go out of the office to get a decent cup.

If companies invest in a reasonable office coffee machine that can dispense fine-tasting coffee, this would actually contribute to the employees’ satisfaction levels. A survey has found that free coffee is still one of the sought-after employee perks that affect how they value the company they work for. Happy and satisfied employees tend to be more productive at work than employees who feel undervalued by their bosses.

Coffee breaks can help foster positive employee relationships

Employees working non-stop may seem like best-case scenario to increase company productivity, however, according to science, this may actually do more harm than good. When employees work continuously for long periods, they tend to slow down and they become more prone to mistakes. This also takes a toll on their physical form causing neck and back strains.

According to research, when employees take micro breaks, they get the opportunity to recharge and refocus. This way, they can function more efficiently throughout the workday. Standing up from their desks also promote better blood circulation and is better for their overall health.

Office coffee breaks are also venues for employees to socialise and create positive relationships with one another. There’s nothing more toxic than coming to an office filled with misunderstandings, miscommunication and conflicts among employees. Chats over a cup of good coffee is the perfect opportunity to loosen up and know one another better.

When colleagues are able to develop healthy relationships, they are more likely to work together well and also be happier at work. At times, these informal meetups at the coffee break room can also jumpstart creative brainstorming sessions and produce amazing results.

Brewing the Perfect Compromise

While coffee undoubtedly has several benefits and advantages, time being lost or wasted at work is also a problem that should not be taken for granted. While managers would love their employees to always feel alert and energised, they also don’t want to lose precious time that they’re paying for. So, is there a middle-ground?

One reason why coffee breaks are seen to disrupt productivity stems out from the amount of time it physically takes for employees to get a cup. A great solution to resolve this is to install a reliable office coffee machine that will lessen the time it takes for employees to get their dose of caffeine. There are machine models that can dispense gourmet-tasting coffee in a matter of seconds. Not only does this save the employees’ time, it is also a money-saver for them.

Coffee drinking is already a fundamental part of corporate culture. Therefore, finding ways to maximise the benefits it delivers is a great way to increase productivity in the workplace.