In 1989, sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” in his groundbreaking book, “The Great Good Place,” which explored the idea of a public, social place outside of home (first place) and work (second place). His concept of third places looks at how public places like coffee shops, bars, hair salons and bookstores are at the heart of communities.
Third Place in the Office?
Companies have begun discovering the value of making the third places inside the office – cafés and casual spaces where employees can enjoy coffee, tea or even beer while they connect with colleagues in an informal, relaxed environment. These areas inside the workplace serve to foster collaboration and creativity.
Impact of Coffee on Younger Generation
Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) show that the amount of coffee consumed by Malaysians in 2021 and 2022, which was 800,000 60kg bags. With millennials being among the most avid coffee drinkers – particularly of espresso-based drinks.
A 2023 study by the Malaysia Coffee Association (MCA) found Millennials are a key coffee-consuming demographic with 85% drinking coffee at least daily compared to 68% of the general population. Millennials are spending more money on higher-quality coffee experiences than any other generation, in part because millennials view coffee as a way to connect with other people. This exponential change in coffee consumption has become a catalyst for increasing workplace coffee options
Bringing the Coffee Culture Into The Workplace
In recent years, workplace design and office culture have seen sweeping changes. Flexible and comfortable workspaces are the new norm. Open plan layouts where the coffee machine is used as a focal point to encourage interaction and collaboration among employees are now becoming more common.
Today, thriving offices have embraced the importance of a well-considered coffee culture. They provide dedicated spaces, like break zones or break rooms, for employees to take a pause, have a coffee and interact with coworkers.
4 Important Reason Why?
There are real, tangible benefits of encouraging a robust coffee culture in the workplace, including:
1. IT’S A CONVERSATION STARTER
Coffee breaks tend to jumpstart conversations between employees. These conversations help to create the social fabric within an office.
2. IT ENCOURAGES CREATIVE THINKING
The exchange of ideas among employees, the conversations themselves, often lead to collaboration and solutions of workplace issues.
3. IT PROVIDES AN EMOTIONAL BOOST TO HAPPINESS
Caffeine can provide a much-needed energy boost. And in moderation, drinking coffee can enhance mood by producing endorphins which can promote feelings of euphoria and general well-being.
4. IT CREATES A MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE
In a recent survey by Lavazza, they found 67% - 80% of respondents globally value drinks in the workplace to support engagement, collaboration, productivity, and well-being. The research also revealed that millennials view a café area as a place to be productive – whereas, baby boomers view a café space as a social environment. Furthermore, having a coffee machine also helps to minimize costs and time because employees become more productive when they spend less time away from the office.
Looking for ideas on how you can refresh your break room or company’s coffee program? Talk to the team at The Coffee Xperts today and don’t forget to ask us about our special office coffee blend.
