The Coffee Corner Time-Out

This is a guest post by Jakob Barry. Learn more about how you can guest post for Daily Shot Of Coffee here.

Work in an office? Then you know the coffee area is a sacred spot, even if its not connected to a kitchenette. When employees approach, pour their brew, and are gone in an instant they’re not trying to be disrespectful. They are very much appreciative. After all, without readily available coffee most of America would be asleep on the job.

A recent position had me sitting near the coffee corner where a Nespresso machine sat on a generic looking cabinet made from pressed wood. When coworkers would approach and need a ‘hit’ I’d hear the low tonal sound of the machine and a pleasant aroma would flow my way.

It wasn’t long before I made my own advance towards the device one afternoon but as a traditional coffee drinker, I admit the Nespresso was a bit over my head so I approached the IT guy for directions.

As a cup is positioned below the spout, a flavored capsule is slipped into a compartment and with the push of a button out comes the espresso. Some of the flavors are strong and others mild. One in particular reminds me of tuna fish and makes me want a sandwich. Another led me to contemplate…

At previous jobs I wasn’t privileged to view and analyze the coffee corner day after day. It was just an experience I partook in on occasion. With my new view I realized the importance of the coffee corner was not just for the coffee but the time-out it provides to the employees.

The coffee corner is like a little vacationland and needs to be clean, spatial, and calming. Since it’s the place people retreat to for relief there’s nothing worse than going to the coffee corner and being greeted by varying stains or randomly scattered sugar particles -or worst of all, a used tea bag.

A nice wooden desk or floor-based cabinet with a counter top is appropriate for the coffee maker (or Nespresso). The coffee source shouldn’t be too low that the coffee seeker needs to bend down and not too high that he has to reach up. I once knew someone who set up his coffee display on a height adjustable tabletop altering its elevation every few weeks just to give the aura of change. (This despite the painting in the background always stayed in the same place!)

Still, a simple petite wooden table with a warm varnish is a welcome stress reliever. A comfortable chair or two in the vicinity are a plus but not necessary.

The bottom line: Like a good worker who shows up on time a presentable coffee corner is an important asset to any company. It helps moral and keeps the business going.

Jakob Barry is a writer at Networx.

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Photo by star5112.

Category: Coffee Thoughts