Five Key Benefits of Cold Drinks Machines in the Workplace

If you’re deciding whether to add a cold drinks machine to your workplace, you’re probably wondering: are they actually worth it? What types can I choose from? How much is it going to cost me?

Fair questions. After all, it’s not just a case of purchasing a cold drink vending machine, sticking it in the break room and calling it a day. There’s a lot of factors to consider, such as who’s going to maintain and stock the machine. The good news? When you choose the right cold drink machine for your space, it quickly proves its worth through boosted staff morale, increased focus, and genuine cost savings.

Let’s dive into five solid reasons why having chilled refreshments on site makes more sense than you think.

Dehydration can quickly sneak up on you. It’s easy for your team to not realise that they’re running on an empty tank until focus starts to slip and energy levels fall. Having a cold drink machine readily available means your employees can grab a bottle of water, juice, or whatever keeps their energy levels up without having to think twice.

Studies from organisations like CDC consistently show that there is a link between hydration and your cognitive functions. Ultimately, being hydrated improves your team’s overall productivity. When cold drinks are just steps away, people actually drink more throughout the day. And honestly? A hydrated workforce is a sharper, more engaged workforce.

Unlike a staffed canteen with set opening hours, a cold drinks vending machine doesn’t clock off at 4pm or close for the holidays. It’s there at 7am for the early birds and still operating at midnight for to give the night staff an energy boost.

For businesses who run multiple shift patterns, a cold drink machine that is open 24/7 is a game changer. Plus, let’s talk economics: maintaining a vending machine is significantly cheaper than staffing a full café or tuck shop. According to the International Vending Management Association, vending solutions can reduce operational costs by up to 40% compared to traditional food service setups.

Never underestimate the power of small comforts. Whether you’re offering free drinks, subsidising them, or simply providing the option for your staff to purchase the drinks from a drinks vending machine, having refreshments on site sends a clear message: We care about you, your health, and your wellbeing.

Research from SHRM shows that workplace culture is directly tied to staff retention and employee morale. A small cold drink vending machine might seem modest, but it’s these everyday conveniences that make people feel valued and less likely to job-hop.

Think about it… how much time and productivity is lost when your team leaves the building to run to the shops to grab a bottle of water or coke? Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there. It all adds up.

Strategically placing a cold drinks machine eliminates the need for unnecessary trips to the corner shop. Modern vending machines come equipped with contactless payment systems, including mobile payments, and some even have app integrations making the whole process seamless. According to Vending Market Watch, the average transaction at a contactless-enabled machine takes less than 30 seconds, compared to several minutes for a traditional shop run.

By installing a cold drinks machine your employees stay on site, stay focused, refreshed, and get can back to their tasks with minimal disruptions. Sounds perfect, right?

Worried about the hassle of purchasing or leasing a cold drinks machine? Don’t be. Today’s cold drink machines are refreshingly straightforward. Basic maintenance typically involves stocking, checking the plug socket for ware and tare, and the occasional wipe down. That’s genuinely it for the day-to-day tasks.

If that still sounds like too much at Connect Vending we offer a fully managed vending service that we have created to take the burden off your shoulders. Our team of experts handle everything for you from replenishment, servicing, repairs. The lot! You can get all the benefits without lifting a finger.

So, are cold drink vending machines worth it? For most workplaces, absolutely. They’re practical, cost effective, and deliver tangible benefits that your team will actually notice and appreciate.

Our expert sales team will work with you to evaluate your specific workplace needs. We will discuss things like how much employees do you have? What are your operating hours? What space do you have available? The answers will guide you towards the right machine for your workplace, whether that’s a compact small cold drink vending machine for a modest office or a full sized unit for a busy warehouse.

The investment is smaller than you think, and the payoff, in happier, more hydrated, more productive employees, makes it all worth it.