For most of us, a cup of coffee from a café style machine at work is a perk - not only in terms of job satisfaction, but also in the benefits it has on giving us a much needed mind break. Workers use the coffee break to indulge in that oldest of social techniques - talking - and find the contacts and ideas-sharing outdo normal business tools such as email, stimulating better teamwork.
However, businesses should also be looking at the impact procurement of products such as coffee have in the workplace and the social and environmental footprint. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important with businesses realising they can innovate, differentiate and build relationships with their staff and customers through being sustainable - and this applies as much to the coffee they offer as it does to the services they provide.
One business that has embraced this concept is Intergen New Zealand, one of many companies installing Nespresso Business Solutions machines at work as a staff welfare and customer-benefitting measure.
Intergen delivers business outcomes using Microsoft technology, across New Zealand, Australia and North America.
Intergen CEO Simon Bright says Nespresso's commitment to sustainability and its recycling programme was a big factor in their decision to offer Nespresso to clients and staff.
"Sustainability and recycling is an essential part of our business - we're focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing waste, and prefer to align ourselves with like-minded companies that also see this as an important part of their business," he says. "Nespresso's recycling programme and recyclable aluminium capsules impressed us and help us achieve our sustainability goals."
Nespresso New Zealand Country Manager John Ciaglia says that business customers often have shared common values with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, exceptional quality and excellence in customer service.
"Sustainability is a key focus for Nespresso. We believe a cup of coffee can create shared value and provide a positive impact on society and the environment.
"Nespresso is committed to using and managing natural and renewable resources responsibly and efficiently. Having embedded sustainability at the core of our operations, we are working to improve our environmental performance in every aspect of the business, from the coffee cherry to the cup".
Ricoh New Zealand, another Nespresso customer has had a similar experience. Marketing manager Murray Clark says the installation of Nespresso Business Solutions machines in Ricoh's new Auckland CBD building had a noticeable effect on staff. "New Zealand has a really strong coffee culture, stronger than many other countries and our people realise when they see other companies' set-ups that they are working in a five-star, green-rated building, employed by a sustainable business and have good coffee. That has to be good, not just for productivity but also staff wellbeing."
There is a strong case for sustainability in business today, with research suggesting those who integrate sustainability into their core business strategy reap the rewards of lower costs, reduced risk and new opportunities.
For Intergen, who first brought in Nespresso Business Solutions machines to its offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin two years ago, being able to promote a commitment to sustainability is valued by not only the 375 New Zealand based staff, but also their clients.
Intergen is a client facing organisation and Simon says with the number of clients coming in for meetings it's important to be able to offer something that has minimal impact on the environment.
"That's our society today; coffee and meetings go together - I'd probably have two to four cups per day, all of which are 100 per cent centred around activities," he says. "Whether it's a client meeting or an internal meeting, there's always a reason behind it and when you're serving coffee so regularly, it becomes even more important to ensure you're not producing unnecessary waste."
Simon says the ease of use of the Nespresso Business Solutions machine ensured it was a low mess option, that left a better impression on clients, while also having a positive impact on staff.
"Having the Nespresso machines has resulted in driving a different level of professionalism and tidiness that complements our green focused building and ethos."