by Brianna Crandall — September 30, 2015—It is no surprise that the U.S. workforce loves its coffee. In fact, 37 percent of American workers say they cannot even get dressed for work without their first cup of coffee. And nearly half of American workers consume at least three cups of coffee each day. These statistics, brewed fresh in an August survey from Staples, were released just before National Coffee Day, celebrated yesterday on September 29.
Many U.S. workers say there are a number of tasks they cannot handle before their first cup of the day. In fact, 44 percent said they are unable to have a conversation or commute without coffee. Next comes checking e-mail and eating a meal, at 40 and 38 percent of U.S. employees, respectively.
“Providing coffee and a well-stocked breakroom are easy steps that companies can take to ensure the happiness and productivity of their employees,” said Chris Correnti, vice president and general manager, Staples Facility Solutions. “The Staples Advantage Workplace Index revealed that Millennials value office perks and break time. A simple gesture such as providing a well-stocked and inviting breakroom with coffee options goes a long way toward retaining talent.”
For a significant percentage of the workforce, one cup each day will not suffice. In fact, over 57 percent need at least two cups of coffee to feel productive and alert. In today’s always-on work culture, coffee has become even more essential, for better or worse. Although the health effects of drinking coffee have been debated for centuries, current studies lean toward the positive side (see CNN’s recent article).
“Businesses are always looking for ways to jumpstart employee productivity — leading to increased market share and sales — but the one tried and true method for decades has been a cup of coffee,” said Laura Stack, an award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, and authority on workplace productivity. “There’s nothing quite like coffee to keep employees engaged, alert and happy at work.”
Although many Americans in 2015 are obsessed with social media, when asked if they had to give up social media or coffee forever, three out of four U.S. employees said they would give up social media instead of coffee.
Staples has coffee products for companies of all sizes to help keep their employees productive, whether through Staples stores or Staples.com. For larger organizations, Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, offers a variety of coffee and coffee supply items, as well as a robust coffee lease program that includes brewers at no extra charge, brewer maintenance, and access to a team of field experts.
