Breakroom Tips Archives - BostonbeaN Coffee

Brewing Joy: How To Celebrate December Holidays at the Office

December is a month for celebration, reflection and connection with family, friends and coworkers. With so many traditions happening at once, it is the perfect time to build a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your Boston office. BostonbeaN can help you turn the breakroom into a festive hub with the right mix of coffee, tea, snacks and seasonal touches that show employees you care.

Celebrate Inclusively

Not everyone marks the same holidays, so aim for a winter theme that feels inviting to all. Think snowflakes, soft lights and greenery with a few subtle nods to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa rather than one holiday taking center stage. You can set up a “Holidays Around the World” board or snack station and invite team members to share stories or bring a favorite treat from their own traditions.

snack board

Give the Coffee Bar a Festive Makeover

Switch up your everyday coffee setup into a holiday bar that keeps everyone cozy. Stock syrups like peppermint, eggnog or caramel along with cinnamon, nutmeg and whipped cream so people can dress up their usual cup. Add seasonal roasts with hints of gingerbread or spice, plus plenty of tea and hot chocolate for non-coffee drinkers. BostonbeaN can match these flavors to the right equipment, whether you use bean-to-cup brewers, single-serve pod systems or classic drip machines.

Snacks and Treats That Spark Joy

Pair those drinks with seasonal snacks that keep energy high. Provide holiday office snacks like granola bars, cookies, nut mixes and chocolate covered pretzels. Bring in frozen fun with seasonal frozen beverages as an unexpected treat. Offer hot chocolate through your bean-to-cup brewers, a touchscreen pod brewer or single-serve brewers, or let employees stir hot chocolate packets into steamed milk or hot water.

Keep Activities Simple and Fun

You do not need a huge party to build connection. Try a cookie or snack swap, a hot beverage tasting day, a DIY gift tag or card station in the breakroom, or a Secret Snowflake-style gift exchange. Add a few cheerful mugs to the lineup and the breakroom will quickly feel like the heart of your celebration.

Whether coworkers are sipping coffee after lighting a menorah, enjoying hot chocolate after trimming a tree or grabbing a snack between Kwanzaa events, BostonbeaN can help make the season feel special at work. Ready to bring some holiday magic into your office? Contact BostonbeaN to create your seasonal coffee and snack setup today.

Wrap Up the Year with a “Thank You” Station: Easy Ways To Show Staff Appreciation

The end of the year is the perfect time to slow down and show gratitude for the people who keep everything moving. BostonbeaN can help you create a simple, heartfelt “Thank You” Station that turns your breakroom into a place where employees feel seen and appreciated. Whether it is a warm breakfast, upgraded beverages or small surprises that spark a smile, this thoughtful setup makes it easy to end the year on a high note.

What Is a “Thank You” Station?

A “Thank You” Station is a dedicated breakroom space filled with snacks, drinks and messages of appreciation. It can be a one-day pop up or a week-long feature that gives employees a reason to pause and enjoy a moment of recognition.

Say It With Breakfast

Start the day with a breakfast bar featuring BostonbeaN’s new breakfast sandwiches. Options include egg and cheese; ham, egg and cheese; sausage, egg and cheese; and bacon, egg and cheese. Pair them with hot coffee, tea and juice so employees can grab a warm, satisfying start to their morning. Add fun signage with messages like “You Make Mornings Better” to set a positive tone.

Add a Beverage Upgrade They’ll Love

A hydration boost always feels like a treat. The Bevi 2.0 Hydration Station offers still, sparkling and flavored water options that support wellness while reducing waste. You can also bring in a seasonal coffee and tea bar with flavored syrups, festive mugs, cinnamon sticks and rotating holiday blends from BostonbeaN’s lineup.

Sweeten the Moment With Frozen Treats

Add a playful touch with ColdSnap frozen desserts. Employees can make their own frozen treats in seconds, turning the breakroom into a fun, interactive space. Seasonal toppings like crushed candy canes or sprinkles make it even better.

Personal Touches That Make a Difference

A few small additions can take the “Thank You” Station from thoughtful to memorable. Handwritten thank-you notes from leadership, a gratitude board where coworkers post uplifting messages, or simple take-home gifts like branded mugs or snack packs go a long way in showing appreciation.

Why Appreciation Matters

When employees feel valued, they are more engaged, motivated and ready to start the new year strong. A “Thank You” Station is more than snacks and drinks. It is a moment to celebrate your team and build momentum for what comes next.

Want to plan an appreciation station that fits your team’s style and schedule? Contact BostonbeaN to create a custom setup with food, drinks and everything needed to say thanks in a big way.

Why Every Office Needs a Seasonal Beverage Bar

At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we believe your breakroom should do more than meet the basics; it should inspire comfort, creativity and connection. One of the easiest ways to improve your breakroom experience is with a seasonal beverage bar. These curated setups rotate with the seasons and feature flavored syrups, teas, creamers and drink enhancements that reflect the time of year. Whether it’s pumpkin spice in the fall or citrus blends in the summer, these offerings bring variety and energy to the workday.

Fall Favorites To Feature

Autumn is the perfect time to introduce warm, cozy flavors into your office beverage lineup. Pumpkin spice syrups from brands like Monin, cinnamon and vanilla creamers, and fall-inspired teas such as chai or cinnamon apple help create a comforting and festive breakroom experience. Touchless coffee machines make it easy (and hygienic) for employees to create their favorite drinks, while Bevi and ION water systems allow for sparkling and still water enhancements like orange or pomegranate, perfect for fall.

Building Culture Around the Coffee Bar

A seasonal beverage bar isn’t just about taste; it’s about connection. When thoughtfully implemented, it can help boost morale, increase employee engagement and create daily moments of joy. Try low-effort ideas like Flavored Friday, where employees vote on their favorite seasonal syrup, or host a “Build-Your-Own Latte” day using your office’s touchless coffee brewer. Even a simple tea break with colleagues can promote well-being and a sense of community. Use a bulletin board to share fun flavor pairings and staff-favorite drink recipes for an added personal touch.

Everything You Need, Delivered

BostonbeaN makes creating a seasonal beverage bar simple. From espresso machines and cold brew systems to seasonal teas, flavored syrups and eco-friendly water coolers, we provide the tools and flavors to turn your breakroom into a destination. Our team installs, stocks and supports everything, so your office stays fueled without the hassle.

Contact us today to start creating your own seasonal beverage experience. it’s an easy way to bring more warmth and flavor to the workday.

Take Five: How Encouraging Breakroom Time Boosts Productivity and Office Culture

In today’s always-on office culture, it’s easy for employees to push through long stretches without ever stepping away from their desks. At BostonbeaN Coffee Company, we know the power of pausing. The breakroom should be more than a quick pit stop; it should be a space that recharges people, sparks conversation and helps everyone return to work more energized and focused.

Why Breaks Really Matter

The idea that stepping away from your desk is a productivity killer couldn’t be further from the truth. Research shows that even short breaks throughout the workday, sometimes just a few minutes, can improve concentration, spark creativity and reduce stress. Whether it’s a quick walk to grab a coffee or a mid-afternoon moment to chat with a coworker, these pauses can reset your mind and prevent burnout.

Micro-breaks, lunch breaks and social moments have all been linked to improved wellbeing and stronger team dynamics. Employees who detach from work mentally during breaks return feeling more refreshed, less exhausted and often more motivated. Social breaks, in particular, help build a sense of connection and belonging, which can go a long way toward improving office morale.

Designing a Breakroom That Works

Want to encourage your team to step away and recharge? Start with a space they want to visit. A great breakroom is well-stocked, comfortable and even fun. Think rotating snacks like trail mix, granola bars, fresh fruit and yogurt. Add in premium drink options, cold brew, tea, espresso and sparkling water, and you’ve created a space that feels more like a café than a corner of the office.

At BostonbeaN, we also offer seasonal flavors, healthy grab-and-go items and frozen treats like ColdSnap ice cream to make every break feel like a reward.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Supporting employee wellness doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just about giving your team permission to “take five.” From premium coffee and cold beverages to custom snack programs, BostonbeaN makes it easy to create a breakroom that reflects your company culture and keeps employees feeling their best.

Contact us today to turn your breakroom into a space that fuels connection, creativity and a more productive workday.

Summer Snacking: Light & Energizing Pantry Picks for Warmer Weather

Summer is here, and with it comes longer days, warmer temps and the need to rethink our usual snacking habits. Heavy foods can slow us down, especially during a hot afternoon in the office. That’s why it’s essential to stock your break room with light, energizing and hydrating options that keep your team productive, refreshed and satisfied throughout the workday.

At BostonbeaN, we offer a wide variety of healthy, seasonal snacks and drinks designed to support focus, provide energy and help your team stay cool all summer.

1. Fresh, Hydrating Fruits To Beat the Heat

Fruits are nature’s perfect summer snack. Stock your break room with:

Oranges, Bananas and Apples – naturally hydrating and full of essential vitamins
Fruit Cups – pre-portioned and packed with nutrients
Blueberry, Strawberry and Apple Parfaits – cool, creamy and energizing with the perfect combination of yogurt and fruit

Pro Tip: Keep a bowl of fresh fruit visible in the break room to encourage healthy grab-and-go snacking.

2. Protein-Packed Snacks for Lasting Energy

Protein-packed snacks help your team power through the day without the dreaded crash. Great options include:

Cheese Sticks – easy to grab; rich in protein and calcium
Pepperoni & Mozzarella Packs – light yet satisfying
Protein Packs featuring:
- Hummus with pita, celery and carrots
- Cheese, grapes and wheat thins
- Salami, provolone, prosciutto and pepperoncini

3. Better-for-You Bars for On-the-Go Fuel

When the day gets busy, bars are a great quick way to refuel:

Nutrigrain, Nature Valley, Clif and Kashi Bars – high in fiber and flavor
Bobo’s Bites and Oat Bars – slow-digesting whole grains for steady energy

Pro Tip: Stock a variety of flavors to meet different dietary preferences.

4. More Tasty Ways To Stay Cool and Hydrated

Hydration is key during hot months:

Chobani & Siggi’s Yogurts – rich in protein and probiotics
Cedar’s Hummus Snack Packs – light, satisfying and paired with fresh veggies
Bevi Water Cooler – refreshing still or sparkling water with fruit flavors and zero waste

Pro Tip: Encourage your team to pair each snack with a glass of Bevi water to stay sharp and energized.

Wrap Up Your Summer Pantry With BostonbeaN

BostonbeaN makes it easy to keep your team fueled with better-for-you summer snacks and hydration solutions. Choosing light, nutritious options not only supports productivity but also boosts morale.

Improve the snack offerings in your break room this summer. Contact BostonbeaN Coffee Company today!

The Coffee Break Effect: Why Short Pauses Boost Productivity

Coffee breaks are probably as old as offices themselves. Although it may seem like wasting time, they actually have a huge psychological benefit. The “coffee break effect” is a phenomenon that actually improves work activity following a short break with coffee, camaraderie and food.

Improved focus and productivity, along with better employee satisfaction? Coffee really is an incredible beverage! Let’s look at the science behind why your break room is so valuable.

The Science Behind Short Breaks

Cognitive Benefits: Our brains work best when we focus intently for a set period of time and then take a short break. It allows us to digest what we’ve done and learned, and it helps us more efficiently switch between tasks.
Mental Health Advantages: Short breaks in our work allow us to unwind, connect and simply prevent burnout. Though many people think they do better when they work hyper-focused for long periods of time, this can lead to a significant backslide in productivity over time.

The Role of Coffee in Enhancing Breaks

Caffeine’s Impact on Alertness: Any prolonged activity, whether physical or mental, builds fatigue in the brain. Without getting too technical, you have a neurotransmitter called adenosine which makes you sleepy. Caffeine prevents that, providing a surge of focus and energy.
Social Interaction: The social aspect of the break room cannot be ignored, as communal interaction breeds creativity and fosters better engagement between employees.

Implementing Effective Coffee Breaks

Timing and Frequency: While we are not suggesting that you mandate coffee break schedules, it is a great idea to give employees an idea of optimal times for coffee breaks. Somewhere within the first 2 hours of their shift and the last 3 hours of their shift are great because that is when focus begins to wane.
Creating a Break-Friendly Culture: Many people struggle with taking breaks because they feel guilty about stepping away from their work, but as we’ve mentioned, studies indicate that taking these breaks makes them more productive. Encourage breaks by sending an email about the delicious new cold brew machine you’ve installed in the office, or asking if anybody has tried the new snacks in the fridge.

Where BostonbeaN Comes In

BostonbeaN provides a wide variety of coffee and snack essentials, making the most of your employees’ precious break time. From high-quality water and soda dispensers to coffee makers that are second to none, plus a huge variety of delicious, nutritious snacks, we provide you with the tools to maximize your employees’ recharging time. These small breaks improve focus, prevent burnout and fuel the body in a way that increases productivity and overall morale.

Looking to bring quality coffee products to your break room? BostonbeaN can help! Contact us today.

Gluten-Free, Vegan and More: Meeting Dietary Needs in the Workplace

A diverse staff often has specific dietary needs, be they religious restrictions, allergies or specific nutritional concerns like keto, vegan or vegetarian.

When an employee ventures into the break room and sees snacks and beverages that they can consume, even with their dietary restrictions, it boosts morale and improves productivity.

BostonbeaN Coffee Company is committed to providing workplace-friendly, inclusive dietary options that allow your staff to enjoy their favorite foods, teas, coffees and other beverages as they fit into their specific lifestyle.

Understanding Dietary Needs in the Workplace

Dietary restrictions are more common now due to a variety of factors, but some of the most important are allergies and food intolerance. People are more apt to understand food intolerances — such as wheat gluten, soy or caffeine — than they were even 20 years ago and are more discerning about what they consume. You may think that the snacks in your break room are inclusive or useful for everybody, but decoding snack labels is tricky.

As such, simply tossing some bags of chips and big box store-branded coffee in your break room is not enough to satisfy your staff. There is a rising demand for inclusive office snacks and beverages, and you can be a cutting-edge business while making your employees’ stomachs happy.

Non-Dairy and Vegan Beverage Options from BostonbeaN

Although lactose intolerance is a common problem, a variety of plant-based milks abound — oat, soy, cashew, almond and more — for people who cannot digest dairy.

Dairy-free creamers are more common and delicious than ever before, with a wide variety of flavors and masterfully crafted, silky-smooth textures that are wonderful additions to your tea or coffee, even if you can digest dairy.

There are even vegan-friendly coffee and tea selections that will help your plant-based employees enjoy their morning breaks.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Snack Options

Gluten-intolerance is on the rise, making gluten-free snacks essential for an inclusive break room. Vegan-friendly chips, nuts and trail mixes, along with dairy-free snacks and sweets are hugely popular — and so delicious that you probably couldn’t tell the difference.

BostonbeaN also carries ColdSnap, a delicious non-dairy ice cream for maximizing your office ice cream parties and ensuring everyone can participate.

How To Bring Dietary-Inclusive Options to Your Office

One of the easiest ways to diversify your office dietary options is to take an anonymous poll to discover what your employees need. From there, create a designated snack and beverage station that is appealing and easily accessible. When you know what you want to include in your snack station, contact Boston’s most trusted provider of all things delicious, BostonbeaN Coffee Company. We can help you stock your break room to keep your staff energized, happy and healthy, no matter what their dietary restrictions or preferences.

*Only select products offered by BostonbeaN Coffee Co. meet the dietary standards of GF, Vegan and/or Dairy-Free.

Touchless Coffee Machines: The Future of Hygienic Office Break Rooms

In today’s evolving workplace, ensuring a hygienic and efficient break room is paramount. Touchless coffee machines have emerged as a revolutionary solution, offering numerous benefits that cater to modern office needs.

1. Enhanced Hygiene

Traditional coffee machines often require users to press buttons or interact with shared screens, increasing the risk of germ transmission. Touchless coffee machines eliminate this concern by allowing employees to order and customize their beverages using personal smartphones or voice controls. This approach ensures a safer and more hygienic coffee experience for everyone.

2. Increased Employee Comfort

As employees return to shared spaces, safety remains a top priority. Knowing they can enjoy their favorite coffee without physical contact provides peace of mind, enhancing confidence and comfort in the workplace. This touchless experience reassures employees that their well-being is being considered.

3. Seamless Convenience

Touchless operation streamlines the coffee-making process. Employees can select and personalize their drinks through a mobile app or voice commands, allowing them to focus on their tasks without interruptions or delays. This efficiency not only saves time but also enhances overall productivity.

4. Efficient Operations

Modern touchless coffee machines are equipped with smart technology that minimizes the need for manual intervention. They can send notifications for cleaning, refilling or maintenance directly to facility managers, ensuring smooth operation and reduced downtime. This proactive approach helps maintain the machine’s performance and longevity.

5. Sustainability and Reduced Waste

By combining smart technology with touchless features, these machines optimize resource use, such as energy and water, while reducing waste from unused or overproduced drinks. This not only benefits the environment but also aligns with corporate sustainability goals.

6. Modern Appeal

Introducing a touchless coffee machine adds a high-tech, innovative feel to the office, impressing employees, visitors and clients alike. It’s a simple way to showcase your commitment to safety, convenience and cutting-edge technology, reflecting positively on the company’s image.

Touchless Coffee Systems Offered by BostonbeaN Coffee Company

BostonbeaN Coffee Company provides a range of touchless coffee solutions tailored to modern office environments:

TopBrewer Coffee Machine: This machine offers a free app for iOS and Android, allowing users to customize, save and brew their favorite drinks without touching any shared surfaces. It also provides real-time data metrics through the CoffeeCloud management system, ensuring efficient operation.
Emblem Bean-to-Cup: Featuring patented reverse French press technology, it delivers a wide range of beverages, from cappuccinos to regular coffee, with nearly 100 size and strength combinations for a personalized experience.
Nespresso Momento 100: This machine provides four luxurious drink options, as well as hot water, and offers maintenance guidance. Its touchless QR code functionality allows users to brew ristretto, espresso, lungo and americano.
FLAVIA C600: Designed for larger offices, it brews specialty drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos, using fresh milk and the FLAVIA Tap N’ Brew App for a hygienic, touchless experience.
Bevi: Offers touchless app-based dispensing of sparkling or still water with customizable flavor options, including naturally sweetened and unsweetened varieties, providing a refreshing hydration solution.

By integrating these touchless coffee systems, offices can enhance hygiene, boost employee comfort, and demonstrate a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Looking to add a touchless coffee system to your Boston-area break room? BostonbeaN can help! Contact us today.

The Rise of Kombucha in Offices: A Health Trend Worth Adopting

Water, soda and other canned beverages may have been a dominating presence in break rooms for decades, but people are embracing change and an evolving flavor palate. With the rise of trendy probiotic sodas, it’s nice to turn back to one of the oldest fermented, fizzy, probiotic drinks around: kombucha. If you have an office full of soda drinkers, kombucha may be a health-positive alternative that your entire staff embraces.

What Is Kombucha

If you enjoy fizzy beverages but prefer to steer clear of highly sugary sodas, kombucha may be a fantastic alternative. Made from black or green tea that’s been fermented with yeast and bacteria, kombucha has a tangy, effervescent flavor and mouthfeel that is second to none. Add in the fact that it’s highly probiotic and great for your gut bacteria, and you’ve got a drink that tastes great and is great for you.
Delicious brands like GT’s organic kombucha come in a variety of flavors, and BostonbeaN Coffee Company has them in stock, ready to quench the thirst of your employees.

Why Kombucha Is Gaining Popularity in Offices

The average consumer is becoming more conscious of the things they consume on a regular basis. Soda is a well of empty calories and sugar, whereas protein drinks and kombucha provide actual health benefits, often with far fewer calories.
Additionally, kombucha offers a flavor that is far more than tea and wildly different from coffee, helping to please the picky palates of people who long for a different type of drink. Ready to introduce kombucha to your break room? Contact BostonbeaN Coffee Company today!

Health Benefits of Kombucha

Because the base of kombucha is green or black tea, if offers a nice bit of energy without the ups and downs of a higher caffeine beverage. Additionally, it typically has less sugar than other bottled drinks, and the probiotics it provides can improve gut health and even potentially aid with digestion.

Kombucha as a Workplace Wellness Perk

One of the best things about introducing kombucha to your office is the fact that it’s largely seen as a health drink, but it’s absolutely delicious as well. You can add it to your break room at work as part of a larger health-focused initiative, helping your workers indulge their desire to drink a fun beverage while encouraging healthy choices.

Even if the digestive benefits and antioxidants of kombucha don’t resonate with your staff, the fact that it’s fun and tasty like soda but less sugary can often convert skeptics.

Why Boston Offices Love Kombucha

Bostonians as a whole are becoming more health-conscious, and kombucha fits that evolution quite nicely. GT brand kombucha in particular is sustainably produced and comes in a variety of delicious flavors. Additionally, BostonbeaN has a wide range of snacks that pair extremely well with health-minded workers looking to take a break without breaking their calorie goals for the day.

Is Kombucha Right for Your Office?

Trends come and go, but kombucha itself has been around for thousands of years. Providing real health benefits in a fun, tasty beverage is no small feat, but kombucha does it all. Many people haven’t heard of kombucha, but one sip and they’ll be true believers!
Looking to add kombucha options to your office? Visit the BostonbeaN website to learn how we can supply your Boston, MA, office.

New Year, Better Coffee: How to Upgrade Your Office Breakroom in 2025

When the new year arrives, people have the urge to make improvements in their lives. This time of year, is perfect for upgrading the office breakroom, where your employees go to rest and revitalize during their shifts. A pleasant, well-stocked breakroom will improve employee morale, increase productivity and have a great impact on company culture. For quality and efficiency in upgrading your office breakroom, rely on BostonbeaN for perfect coffee and tea solutions, as well as delicious snacks!

Why Refreshing Your Office Breakroom Matters

Don’t underestimate the impact of your company breakroom. Whether you mean it to or not, it reflects the opinion you have of your employees. Offering high-quality coffee, tea and snacks shows appreciation and may even raise retention rates. Let’s not forget that coffee and tea can help maintain energy and focus, too!

Premium Coffee Products to Kickstart the New Year

Start your year energized and inspired with BostonbeaN. Enjoy fresh blends crafted to suit every taste, from light to dark roasts. Explore versatile brewing options ranging from single-serve and espresso machines to bean-to-cup and traditional brewers, for elevating your employees’ coffee experience. Improve their use of time by eliminating the need for coffee runs outside the office, too.

Don’t Forget the Tea Lovers

Cater to your tea lovers and capture the hearts of all your employees! BostonbeaN offers a fantastic array of high-quality teas like herbal, green leaf and black teas. Tea is a calming drink that can help your employees wind down during breaks, so they’re refreshed and ready to be productive.

Elevate Your Office Snack Game

Your employees don’t want greasy potato chips. Up your office snack game with BostonbeaN’s healthy and high-protein snack selections that include nuts, granola bars and fruits. For those with a sweet tooth, try ColdSnap, the frozen sweet treat machine from BostonbeaN that your employees will love any time of year!

How to Make the Most of Your Breakroom Upgrade

So your employees can enjoy their break in style, provide an assortment of seating options, and add dashes of color, good lighting (not just overhead fluorescents!), and maybe even a succulent or two that requires minimal maintenance. Add in a Nespresso brewer or Sail Away Countertop Cold Brew from BostonbeaN and you’ve got yourself a classy breakroom your employees won’t want to leave!

Partner With BostonbeaN for Seamless Office Breakroom Solutions

Partner with BostonbeaN for hassle-free breakroom solutions tailored to your office. Enjoy flexible delivery services for coffee, tea and snacks, ensuring consistent restocks. BostonbeaN caters to offices of all sizes with eco-friendly options like compostable Peet’s coffee pods, combining convenience with sustainability.

Improving your breakroom in 2025 is an investment in your company culture and in the morale of your employees. Invite your office managers to contact BostonbeaN for a personal free demo and consultation for upgrading office breakrooms in 2025. Make this year your office’s best yet — contact BostonbeaN to upgrade your breakroom today.