Office Perks and Employee Happiness

Happy employees are productive employees, and those are people who are bettering your business and increasing your bottom line. Do you know when they are happy? Do you know what makes them happy? It is your obligation as an employer to ensure that the individuals who work for you are content. It benefits everyone, and we all rise up. Give your workplace a morale boost by checking in with your team and implementing strategies and office perks to improve the collective mood. We’ve got some tips for you.

office coffee machines, an important office perk, being used my employees

Work/Life Balance

One of the most common complaints about work in 21st century America is that we are never truly off the clock. Thanks to technology, many employees are always connected, for better or worse. We can work after the close of business to accommodate personal appointments and children’s schedules. We can work from the waiting room or the airport. But this freedom has a downside. Since we can always be on, available, and reachable, how can we ever be off? How can we completely disengage from work in order to recharge our batteries and reconnect with what really matters? We suggest that as an employer you implement boundaries and stick to them. Maybe you determine that certain employees can work on weekends, if they so choose, but no one else on the team is expected to respond until Monday. Some folks like to get in hours whenever they can, while others need two full days for family and fun in order to come back fresh and ready to hustle. Know what work/life balance means to each of your hires and support their quest to live a full home life, as well as a satisfying work life.

Support Innovation

As the boss, you should be confident in the ability of those you have hired, so trust them. Encourage their ideas and test their suggestions. Everyone has something to contribute that will benefit the company. Being seen and respected validates workers as autonomous individuals. Give them space to innovate and create. When employees are inspired, great things happen. It is truly encouraging to the entire team to see their ideas for new systems and workflows and new communication platforms or disruptive marketing strategies that function well and make a difference to the company as a whole.

Give Them The Tools They Need

Is there a project management tool that would improve communication? Are there new office perks that you could add? Could you afford to upgrade the office machinery? The minor malfunctioning of daily office life can prove extremely frustrating over time. If there are small fixes or quick hacks you can make happen, you will be amazed by how much happier your employees are. Fix the printer. Get a popcorn machine. Upgrade the office coffee machines. We know for a fact that caffeinated employees are happy ones. This is especially the case when you have chosen the perfect office coffee machines for the size and preferences of your team. Learn more about how we can help you make your employees happier and more efficient.

Beat the Heat with the Help of your Office Coffee Station

Nobody likes a sticky workplace. It’s hard enough to adult every single day of summer, remembering your carefree childhood spending weeks outside in the grass, on a lake, at the beach; but when your workspace is uncomfortable, it’s all you can do to stay on task. Just because it’s gorgeous out, doesn’t mean you can be unproductive. So, how do you beat the heat and make your office a place you want to spend hours every day? We are experts for the office, and want to help you work comfortably and efficiently, so you can get more done, make more money, and enjoy your vacation time more deeply.

Eat Light

The No. 1 question buzzing around most offices at midday is, “What’s for lunch?”. Everybody loves to peruse menus and consider going out, even if you ultimately (and responsibly) choose your turkey sandwich in the office fridge. While you may think it makes more sense to have one hot, satisfying meal at midday, this good winter ritual can spell the end of productivity during a heat wave in August.

Summer is the perfect time to pack a Bento box, filled with fresh, healthy options from your garden, farmers market, or greengrocer. You will cool down with cucumbers, and stay satiated by hummus, fill up on blueberries, and enjoy a creamy yogurt in the afternoon. A light lunch or grazing on healthy foods like nuts, whole grains, fruits, protein and veggies will keep your energy up and you will stay alert and refreshed.

Food is supposed to keep you energized, so make it seasonally appropriate. Your body will feel lighter, cooler, and ready to go from workday to night out on the town. Stopping in your office coffee station after lunch for some caffeine will also help you to stay motivated during long summer work days. It may also help to switch your coffee from hot to iced, though drinking hot coffee in the summer can actually help cool you down. If you do choose to go for iced coffee, you can make summer work days more exciting  by trying different types of iced coffee drinks. Drinks with flavors such as coconut or vanilla can especially give your drink a summer feel.

different types of iced coffee drinks in office coffee station

Dress Appropriately

These days, most company dress codes range from corporate casual to Friday every day. However, some environments require more sartorial formality, and it can be difficult to dress for that level of professionalism during the dog days of summer. We know offices can be stuffy, though they sometimes run from cool to Arctic. How do you dress appropriately for the workplace (and those client meetings) in August, so you are neither freezing nor sweating? Think natural, breathable fabrics, and light layers. Linen is a classic choice for hot weather. You can wear a crisp shell with a flowy blazer on top, or pair a pencil skirt with a pretty pair of open-toed pumps for a look that is urban and sophisticated but comfortable and cool.

Remove One Accessory

How many electronic devices are on your desk right now? Whether you work from home or in a buzzing office complex, most of us keep at least three machines humming near our person all day long. Between laptops, phones, and tablets, we are using a lot of energy, and that creates a lot of heat. Give them a break on these humid days. Put away your phone. Get a cooling fan for your laptop. Keep your iPad charging, if you must, in a common area.

You want your immediate workspace to be uncluttered and spare. You will notice what a significant amount of heat is generated all around you, and how much cooler the air feels when you are not surrounded by all that electromagnetic energy. You can add one simple machine – a personal fan to keep a fresh breeze blowing while you work and help the air circulate. You will notice you are more alert and getting more done!

There are worse places to be than in an over air-conditioned conference room in August. It’s blistering outside, and at least the building has good office coffee station with different types of iced coffee drinks. We are here to help you stay happy and efficient at work, all year long. For more information on how we can help, contact an associate at BostonbeaN today!

Best Hiring Practices for Finding the Right Employee for Your Team

As an employer, you know the importance of hiring the right person for your team. Employees are the lifeline of the company, keeping processes running smoothly and in some cases, being the face of your organization. They deal with customers, keep paperwork in order, and handle the tasks you can’t do on your own. Finding the right employee for the job at the very beginning can save time and money. Here are some best hiring practices:

Define the role

It’s best to know what the employee will be doing before you hire. This will help set expectations and help assess whether the applicant has the qualifications for the job.

Work with the supervisor

The supervisor of the role should have a hand in defining what the employee will be expected to do. This helps ensure nothing is left out of the job description.
Have a checklist

Once you define the role, develop a standard checklist to refer to when interviewing and hiring. This helps retain the integrity of the position and focuses on the quality of the candidates.

 

boston bean employee

Be forthcoming

Once you have several applicants, be forthcoming in your expectations. During the interview process, show them the facility and area where they will be working and allow them to ask questions. Remember, they are choosing you just as much as you are choosing them.

Ask probing questions

One of the key things when interviewing is to ask questions that reveal whether they will mesh with your company culture. The goal is to make sure they are a good fit and can handle the scenarios you describe.

Go to lunch

Taking the prospective employee to lunch will give you a different perspective. Watch how they interact with the team, the servers, whether they keep the conversation going – or take it over – and their manners. Keep in mind that interviewing is a two-way street. Be sure to tell candidates about your company’s culture, their potential growth opportunities, and the company perks that you offer, such as high quality coffee and snacks in the office. By discussing what they can get out of the job, you can gain an idea of  your candidate’s enthusiasm about the company and role and all of this information can also help the candidate know if the role is right for them.

You know the importance of hiring the right person for your team, so take these steps in order to make the best possible decision. The team at BostonbeaN Coffee Company prides itself on providing excellent customer service every step of the way. Why? We value our customers and employees, realizing both need to be happy.

Contact us today for more information on the offerings at BostonbeaN Coffee Company.

Cold Brew Process: Makes Coffee that is both Tasty and Healthy

Do you drink cold brew coffee? You should. We all know coffee is a staple, but there’s nothing like a good cup of cold-brewed coffee to give your body a much-needed boost. There are cold brew coffee health benefits to gain and cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. In fact, cold brew is on a completely different level of coffee consciousness!

So, what’s the difference? Regular brewed coffee is made with hot water and brewed quickly. Iced coffee is that same coffee, blended with ice and whatever else you add to make it frothy. In the end, it’s still the same coffee.

However, the cold brew process is unique. Cold brewed coffee is steeped from 12 to 24 hours with cold water using coffee beans. This process extracts more caffeine for that bigger boost. You can then finish it off with milk, cream, or sugar to create your perfect cold brew drink!

Cold brew coffee continues to grow in popularity, mainly because of the benefits:

  • You get a sweeter taste. A cold brew coffee allows you to taste all the fruity and chocolate flavors without the bitterness.
  • Your pH level becomes balanced.  One of the cold brew coffee health benefits is that if you have a sensitive stomach, it is better for you than hot coffee. While a hot brew makes your pH unbalanced and the coffee bitter, the cold brew has a smoother taste with 65 percent less acidity.
  • You can make cocktails or bake with it. Because the concentration of a cold brew is designed to be diluted, you can use it when making coffee-based drinks, or recipes that call for an authentic coffee taste.
  • It makes you smarter. Who doesn’t want a brain boost? Thanks to the Human Nutrition Research on Aging, we now know coffee increases blood flow to the brain and improves cognitive function.
  • It can extend your life. It’s been said that drinking coffee is good for your health and has life-lengthening properties. It helps to improve insulin sensitivity, decreases the risk of dementia and has more free-radical fighting chemicals to ward off cancer.

Though both hot and cold beverages can be beneficial to drink in the summer, cold brew has become a popular choice in New England during the summertime. Now you know why you should be drinking cold brew coffee, but where can you get it? BostonbeaN Coffee Company brings cold brew options in different flavors right to your office. We provide the Kegerator, install and maintain it, or provide cold brew products already chilled. Introduce your employees to our Barismo Cold Brew or NOBL Nitro Brew – they’ll never be the same! Get more information on the BostonbeaN Coffee Company and all our offerings today!

Starting A Small Business: Where to Begin

Today’s economic climate has set the stage for people to follow their dreams and become business owners. The question most have is this: Where do I begin? It’s important to have a clear focus and do your research before getting started. It is also important to think about the type of work environment you would like to create for your future employees if you’re opening up your first office. We at BostonbeaN Coffee Company can help you find the right coffee service equipment for your office and give you unique office snack station ideas to make your workplace one that employees are excited to be in every day.

 

office snack station ideas

Here are a few tips for you as you get started with your new business:

  • I “can’t” mentality
    Get. Rid. Of. It. – This is the time to have the most confidence in yourself, no matter what you’re feeling inside. If you’re really serious about becoming a small business owner, you must adopt the mentality to leap without fear.
  • Keep things simple
    Although you may have the entire blueprint for a multimillion-dollar business in your head, it’s best to start small and work your way up from there. Master the basics first and lay the foundation for everything else to grow.
  • Choose the right entity
    Make sure you consult a legal professional and accountant to determine which legal structure is best for you. You also want to check with your local government to determine which licenses and tax documents you need.
  • Protect your intellectual property
    This is KEY. There are so many stories about people stealing business names, logos, and ideas. Copyright and trademark your information as soon as you can. Your very first sale is proof of concept, so it’s important to preserve what you have from the very beginning.
  • Don’t underestimate the costs
    Business expenses quickly add up. Make a list of everything you think you need, and the things you may not need but that have been a consideration. Add those numbers, then quadruple it. Even though you are figuring out your business expenses, make sure you factor in your living expenses as well. This will help determine your path – whether you want to pursue a small business loan, or you want to start with your own funding.
  • Make connections
    The best thing you can do for your business is to make connections with others. How will anyone know about your business if you aren’t talking about it? It may be a little daunting at first, especially if you aren’t used to speaking in front of others. Once you start, it becomes easier.

These are necessary steps to take when starting a small business. Knowing what to do will save time and money in the long run. If this is your dream, it’ time to start making it happen. Good luck!

Every good business owner knows the importance of having the right coffee service equipment and thinking of fresh office snack station ideas. Whether your business has a breakroom and you need to supply your entire staff with snacks and java, or you have a smaller office with only a few employees, BostonbeaN Coffee Company has the products and services you need. As you create your business plan, be sure to include a strategy to stay stocked-up on great coffee!

It’s Time For Spring Cleaning! Office Spring Cleaning Tips.

Spring is coming, but what does that mean? Spring always brings new beginnings and time to create a blank slate. That means cleaning up the dreariness of winter in both mental and physical form. Most people consider this a time to clean their homes, but there is one other place that probably needs a good cleaning as well – the office.

woman working in an office

Want to know how to get your office in shape? Here are our office spring cleaning tips:

  • Assess your inventory
    Knowing what you have will prevent you from getting more things you don’t need. If you have multiples of things, find a way to distribute them among the office, or donate to a charity. The last thing you need is to take up unnecessary space with items you don’t use.
  • Pour on the paint
    Freshen up the office with a new coat of paint – even if it’s just a theme wall. Choose a vibrant color and make a statement.
  • Organize those desks
    It’s time to organize your desk, put away files and get rid of clutter. A clean desk is the first step to having a clean(er) mind to think. You’d be surprised how productive you become.
  • Clean your computer
    Cleaning up your desktop, merging files and purging documents you don’t need can make a world of difference. Don’t forget to give your keypad and screen a little TLC too.
  • Lubricate and disinfect
    Lubricate the office machines – the copier and other gadgets that help the office function. Make sure you sanitize all phones, tables, chairs, sofas and areas that people touch.
  • Breakroom basics
    Cleaning the breakroom is essential. Go through all the cabinets and purge items that don’t belong there. It’s also time to clean the microwave and refrigerator. Look at the supplies you have and replenish what you need. If you have items that have expired – get rid of them. After cleaning the breakroom, you will have time to consider new products, coffee flavors and maybe a new coffee machine. These are the types of office perks that employees value. The team at BostonbeaN has all of the supplies you need. From cups, paper plates and paper towels to cleaning supplies and first aid – we can supply it. And of course, the coffee!

These are just a few ways you can welcome spring into the office. Hold a meeting, get everyone on board, pass out cleaning products and get to work! After all, teamwork makes the dream work, right? When your team is done, nothing beats a great cup of coffee.

Company Team Building

Team building gets a bad rap. When practices are contrived or dated or insincere, they fall short. When done well, team building may be the best investment a company can make for its employees. The key to successful team building in your workplace is making sure your team-building efforts are aligned with your unique company and the people who work for you. What works for one company may not work for another.

The purpose of bringing your staff together for team building is to build a stronger, more united team. You want to manage a team that likes what it does and enjoys coming to work and being with peers. Consistent team-building practices also seem to work better than large events held annually or semi-annually.

Benefits of Team Building

Effective team building has these wide-ranging benefits:

  • Builds trust
  • Mitigates conflict
  • Encourages communication
  • Increases collaborative spirit
  • Engages employees with enthusiasm
  • Helps boost the bottom line
  • Enhances company culture

Some Fun and Effective Ideas

The possibilities are absolutely endless! Look at your team members and consider their state of physical fitness, personal passions and mental skills to help you develop unique team-building practices that your staff will be talking about for a long time.

Who doesn’t like chilling with a little game night or karaoke? Great opportunities to get your mind off the many deadlines back at the office while having some good old-fashioned fun! Jigsaw puzzles help keep the brain sharp. Outdoor activities like laser tag and go-kart racing gets the adrenaline flowing and gives employees a chance to satiate their need for speed. Canoeing, kayaking or tubing on a river offer an opportunity to relax and enjoy beautiful, natural settings.

Team Building Guidelines

  • Schedule activities during work hours and days
  • Consider volunteer efforts
  • Foster collaboration vs. competition
  • Make the activity accessible to everyone
  • Get into a change of scenery
  • Be clear about expectations
  • Encourage employee feedback

You may have heard the phrase about an army marches on its stomach–meaning the food and drinks it ingests. Well, a business staff that has access to a great company break room stocked with nutritional, and favorite snacks and beverages is definitely well motivated to concentrate on work tasks for better project outcomes. And a company that eats together and does team-building activities together, is an employer’s dream.

Contact BostonbeaN Company in Woburn, Massachusetts, today to set up an account with us to provide quality food and beverages, including a variety of drinking water options to help keep your employees hydrated and focused. Ask about our entire line of coffee, tea and snack offerings by calling us at 1-800-Hit-Brew (800-448-2739). Our company is dedicated to providing great customer service one account at a time by listening to your unique needs.