March 2020 - The Vending Station Blog

A carefully planned and well-stocked micro-market is an employee benefit that isn’t fully appreciated until it is experienced. Employees have access to an inviting and relaxing space with a customizable menu full of products, from fresh food, coffee, healthy alternatives and cold beverages to everyone’s favorite snacks.

Considering what types of food and beverages are available when and where is an important component for Jacksonville employers to consider when determining a break room’s design and menu. The reason why is related to recent research performed by Packaged Facts, an expert in research and expert analysis.

According to David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts, “There’s a surging fluidity to modern mealtimes. The reality is U.S. adults are increasingly eating differently.” The adults that Sprinkle is referring to are Gen Z (18- to 24-years-old) and Millennials (25- to 34-years-old).

Not only did the research show that fewer adults are eating “breakfast before 9 a.m., lunch before 1 p.m., and dinner before 8 p.m.” but more participants are eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Going back to Jacksonville break rooms and the micro-market; offering a variety of options in your micro-market can meet the needs of employees who consume various meals at both traditional and nontraditional times of the day.

The first of several reasons why a micro-market is a great option is the overall look and feel of the break room. Each micro-market layout is custom designed to fit your unique space and offers an updated look and shopping experience. With open racks, shelves and glass door coolers, employees can browse and pick up items and read labels before deciding.

Access to the micro-market 24/7 is the second benefit. With modern technology, employees can access snacks, beverages and fresh food at any time of the day whether it’s 10:00 am or 10:00 pm. Self-checkout kiosks, mobile apps and security systems remove the need for additional employees to monitor the break room and keep track of product inventory levels.

The third benefit is that we take care of it all. With fully automated technology, we receive data about real-time product purchases. Using that information, we can rotate in more of the products your Jacksonville employees enjoy and add new products to keep things interesting.

A micro-market is truly a sought-after break room benefit. Access at any time of the day plus a variety of delicious refreshments equals happier employees and a boost in workplace morale. Are you ready to take the next step?

For more information about micro-markets or other break room refreshment options including office coffee service, please contact The Vending Station at (407) 891.7632.

Although the idea of offering an employee break room with a selection of refreshments has been around for years, providing a space for relaxation, conversation and snacks or meals is even more important now. Break rooms are more than a room; they can help employees relieve stress, brainstorm, boost productivity and build community.

When considering if your Orlando break room fits the needs of your employees, it can be helpful to consider the following topics: what your employees need or want, the physical space and the menu.

Needs and Wants

When considering the answer to this question, the first place to go is to your employees. Not only will it help clarify what your employees like to do when they aren’t at their desks, but it will help create a list of food and beverages preferences, allergies and dietary requirements. Asking for employee input lets them know that their opinion matters and that they are appreciated.

The Physical Space

Whether your Orlando break room is large or small, it needs to be welcoming. There should be a variety of comfortable seating arrangements that support different activities including eating meals, reading, collaborative work, having fun and even napping.

The vibe or energy of the room, created by colors, textures, lighting, seating arrangements, layout, plants and organization, also contributes to the experience employees will have when walking into the room. A great example comes from Google’s campus where “diner booths, it turns out, can work better than traditional conference rooms.”

In addition to tables and chairs for meals, access to microwaves, a sink, a refrigerator and coffee machines as well as supplies like utensils, plates and napkins will encourage employees to leave their workstations and have meals together and build relationships.

The Menu

One of the primary reasons Orlando employees go off-site during the workday is to grab a bite to eat or a coffee, which can cause a decrease in productivity. With that in mind, the importance of offering the right combination of snacks, cold beverages, fresh food and coffee service stands out even more.

In addition to offering traditional snacks and beverages, better-for-you options are a must. Healthy choices such as fresh food, fruits and veggies, yogurt, granola bars, nuts, filtered water and flavored sparkling water minimizes food comas, avoids dehydration and keeps employees feeling their best.

The last section of the menu should reflect coffee and tea service. It might include a combination of espresso-based drinks, nationally known brands, local roasters and a variety of hot teas. Don’t forget to include creamers, non-dairy creamers, sugar and sugar-free options.

Once the three sections listed above have been considered, the final break room design and menu should reflect both your Orlando organization’s needs and the refreshments your employees enjoy. Not sure where to begin? The Vending Station can help.

For more information about updating your break room or creating a new, customized menu, please contact us at (407) 891.7632.

Month: March 2020

A Micro-Market and Meal Times in Jacksonville

Three Break Room Topics to Consider in Orlando