Getting people back into the office, and keeping them happy once they're there, is one of the biggest challenges facing anyone responsible for a workplace. Salary and flexibility matter, but the day-to-day experience of being at work plays a huge part in how people feel about their job.
The right perks show employees they're valued, support their health and wellbeing, and give them a genuine reason to come in rather than work from home. Happier, more motivated employees tend to be more productive, more loyal and more likely to recommend you as an employer, so the benefits are felt across the whole business.
Whether you're a facilities manager, an office manager or responsible for employee wellbeing, here are some of the office perks worth considering.
Office Perks Your Staff Care About
- Games Room or Breakout Area: A dedicated space away from desks, whether that's a pool table, board games or simply comfortable seating, gives people somewhere to properly switch off during the day. Regular breaks help reduce stress and fatigue, and these spaces naturally encourage the informal conversations that build stronger teams.
- High-Quality Coffee Machine: Coffee is often the first thing people reach for when they arrive, so a machine that makes a genuinely good flat white or latte at the touch of a button makes a big impression. A reliable bean-to-cup machine, such as from our commercial coffee machine range, saves employees the daily trip (and expense) to the high street café and turns the office kitchen into a sociable hub.
- Freshly Roasted Specialty Coffee Beans: The machine is only half the story, as the quality of the beans has the biggest influence on taste. Freshly roasted, ethically sourced specialty coffee, like our Fairtrade and direct trade Roots Coffee range, gives employees a coffee they'll look forward to and shows the business cares about where its products come from.
- Free Period Products: Stocking free period products in the toilets is a small, inexpensive gesture that makes a real difference to many employees. It removes the stress of being caught short and signals an inclusive workplace that considers everyone's needs.
- A Well-Equipped Kitchen: A clean kitchen with a decent fridge, microwave, toaster, dishwasher and plenty of crockery makes it easy for people to prepare their own lunch and eat well during the working day. It also helps employees save money and gives teams a natural place to gather and chat.
- Hot Drinks Beyond Coffee: Not everyone drinks coffee, so offering alternatives like hot chocolate, chai and matcha means everyone has something they enjoy. Many bean-to-cup machines, including our Pulse 200 Coffee Machine, can serve these alongside coffee from a single machine, and a premium hot chocolate such as Hügg makes a welcome treat on colder days.
- Free Snacks, Fruit and Cold Drinks: A well-stocked supply of fruit, healthy snacks and cold drinks keeps energy levels up and stops people heading out mid-afternoon in search of a sugar fix. It's a relatively low-cost perk that employees notice and appreciate every day.
- Hot Water Dispenser and Ice Maker: An instant hot water tap ends the queue for the kettle when everyone wants a tea at once, while an ice maker makes cold drinks and iced coffees far more appealing in the warmer months. Small conveniences like these remove everyday friction and make the office a more comfortable place to be.
- A Small Café: For larger offices, an on-site café or coffee station creates a focal point where people from different teams naturally cross paths. Grab-and-go options like our CafePOD can be installed in 24 hours without building work, bringing a café-style experience to a reception or communal area.
- Office Booths for Calls: With so many meetings now taking place on video, soundproofed booths give people a private space to take calls without disturbing colleagues or hunting for a free meeting room. They make open-plan offices far more workable and help everyone stay focused.
- Quiet Rooms: A calm, phone-free space gives employees somewhere to concentrate on deep work, decompress or simply rest. They're particularly valuable for neurodivergent employees and anyone who finds busy, open-plan environments overwhelming.
- Prayer Rooms: A private, respectful space for prayer or reflection supports employees of different faiths and shows a genuine commitment to inclusion. It means no one has to choose between their beliefs and being in the office.
- Standing Desks: Height-adjustable desks let people alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, which can help ease back discomfort and the effects of sitting for long periods. They're a simple way to show the business takes physical wellbeing seriously.
- Small Gym: Even a modest gym with a few cardio machines and free weights makes it easier for people to fit exercise into their day, whether before work or at lunchtime. Regular exercise is closely linked to better mood, energy and focus, all of which carry over into work.
- Showers and Lockers: Showers and secure lockers make it practical for people to run, cycle or train before work or during their lunch break. They're the essential partner to a gym or bike storage and remove one of the main barriers to an active commute.
- Bike Storage: Secure, covered bike storage encourages employees to cycle to work, which supports their fitness, saves on travel costs and helps the business reduce its carbon footprint. For many people, knowing their bike is safe is the deciding factor in whether they cycle at all.
Give the Perk of Great Coffee
Of all the perks on this list, good coffee is the one your team will notice every single day. People know the difference between a rushed cup of instant and a properly made flat white from freshly roasted beans, and a great coffee offering quickly becomes one of those small things that makes the office feel worth the commute.
At Bridge Coffee Roasters, we've been helping businesses get their workplace coffee right since 1985, from bean-to-cup machines and specialty coffee to installation, barista training and ongoing servicing. If you'd like to give your employees the perk of great coffee, speak to our team on 0800 0928992 or get in touch through our website.
