Office micro markets are small vending machines filled with non-perishable snacks, drinks, and other items popular among workers in a particular office. Micro markets also provide breakfast items that employees can purchase in the morning before work begins. They’re easy to set up and take little time out of each employee’s day for stocking and restocking, which is why they’re quickly becoming one of the most effective means for keeping employees happy, well-fed and productive in the workplace.
But while many people enjoy sharing meals during lunch or after-work hours, the logistics of ordering and preparing food for a large group can be a stressful process that takes up more time than people have to spare during work hours. That’s why the best solution is to implement micro markets.
Benefits of Micro Markets to Businesses
Micro markets, as mentioned above, are an excellent solution for the office food problems that affect many companies. They’re a way to ensure that your employees have access to snacks and drinks without going over budget or wasting resources on items they won’t purchase.
In turn, these micro-markets can help businesses save costs in a lot of different ways:
- Less disposable waste
As we all know, snacks and drinks are items that tend to be thrown away or forgotten about and wasted at a high rate. With micro markets, you’ll no longer have to keep stocking up on these items as often because they’ll be eaten more efficiently.
- More purchasing power:
Put, employees will be more inclined to purchase items from a vending machine than they will from the convenience store around the corner. Not only is this good for your business, but it’s also great for your employees who would rather spend their money on something other than convenience store snacks and drinks.
- Convenience:
One of the most significant benefits micro-markets offer is convenience. Employees don’t have to worry about making an additional stop before work or leaving early to buy drinks or snacks. They can walk down the hall, put in their order, and quickly pick up what they need.
- Improved morale:
Employees are happier when you give them options that simplify their lives without sacrificing efficiency. Not only will your employees feel more valued, but they’ll also be more productive if they don’t have to spend their lunch hours running errands or scrounging around for food.
- Improved health:
Tired workers are grumpy workers, which is why it’s essential to take action that improves the energy and well-being of your employees. When you give them access to healthier options via micro-markets, they’ll be less likely to choose convenience stores and vending machines for their food and drinks.
- Creates a sense of community:
Micro-markets allow for a communal feel in the office as employees share their favorite drinks and snacks. This will make them feel like they’re part of a team and improve their morale even more.
Food brings people together, and that’s why it’s essential to make sure your employees have the foods and drinks they need during work hours. Micro-markets are a great way to improve morale at work and increase productivity with convenience and ease of access.
Micro Market Models to Consider:
There are several different models and types of micro markets to consider when creating your office pantry. The kind of model you choose will depend on several factors, such as your budget and the layout of your office.
- Grab-and-Go, Self Checkout
One of the most popular micro-market models is the grab-and-go, self-checkout variety. This model type features a compact vending machine that includes individual compartments for each item or type of thing you’d like to sell. Employees place their order with an attendant, pay via cash or credit card, and can then open up their compartments and retrieve their items on their own.
- Pre-order and Prepay Model
The pre-order and prepay model works well for medium to large companies. In this type of market, employees place their order with a cashier or an attendant and then pay via cash or credit card before picking up the items from the machine.
- On-site Catering
Another popular model is the on-site catering variety. This micro-market model allows employees to order food and drinks from third-party vendors that come into your office space or cafeteria, where they set up the buffet. Once the food is ready, employees can pick it up themselves without waiting for an attendant or cashier.
- Take Home Meals
The take-home meals model is great for companies with many employees. In this type of market, third-party vendors deliver pre-assembled boxed meals directly to the office, where employees can pick them up after placing their orders.
- Customized Solutions
You can also work one-on-one with vending machine suppliers to get your business the best-customized solution for your needs. You can choose from various models and work with a vending machine supplier to ensure everything is in place before their machines are installed.
Tips for Creating Your Office Pantry
Creating an office pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you plan, choose the suitable micro-market model, and get your employees involved, you’re sure to enjoy success with your new office pantry.
To help you get started on your office pantry, here are some tips:
- Start simple:
Even if you don’t have much time to plan, you can start small with one or two snacks and drink staples that will make your employees feel appreciated. If you’re not sure where to begin, think about what your employees like and ask them for their input as well.
- Be consistent:
If you choose grab-and-go or pre-order and prepay micro-markets, ensure the ordering process is consistent. It should be easy for employees to understand which items they can get on their own and which ones will require assistance from a cashier or attendant.
- Give frequent reminders:
If your office has never had a pantry or vending machine, it might take a little while for employees to get used to the new system. Be patient and give frequent reminders about what you have available in your office pantry.
- Add healthy options:
When creating your office pantry, make sure there’s a good mix of healthy and indulgent items available. If you’re running low on things, get in touch with your supplier to find out if they can get more healthy options that your employees choose over the indulgent ones.
- Buy in bulk:
If you or someone else at your company is good at finding deals and discounts, look to buy snacks and drinks in bulk so you can take advantage of the savings.
- Keep it clean:
If your employees see a messy, overflowing pantry or vending machine, they’ll be more inclined to go elsewhere for their snacks and drinks. Make sure these items are stocked at all times and that you keep the pantry clean and organized.
- Organize the layout:
It’s essential to think about the placement of your office pantry and create an organized layout. If you choose a pre-order and prepay micro-market, designate specific spaces for employees to line up. Think about who will go first, second, third, etc. You can also organize the layout of your grab-and-go model by telling employees which snack and drink items are located closest to the front.
- Use a reputable supplier:
Before choosing a supplier, make sure to check their reputation on third-party review websites. You’ll also want to research the different third-party vendors in your area and choose one that has proven results with other companies.
- Get employee feedback:
Once you’ve launched your office pantry, make sure you’re always open to employee feedback and suggestions. Ask employees what they like, what they would like changed, and if there’s anything you can do to make their office pantry experience better.
- Make it fun:
Last but not least, make sure your office pantry is an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. You can do this by adding a theme or holiday-inspired items around the holidays.
Conclusion
Micro markets for efficient Office food delivery at the workplace are good ideas to help you get healthy and save time.
In summary, you can provide your employees with healthy options through an office pantry to save them time and promote team building. It is a good idea to work with a third-party vendor so you can choose from a variety of products and have them delivered at a competitive price.
When creating your office pantry, it’s essential to consider the layout and placement for maximum efficiency and create an organized system that employees will understand. Lastly, make sure you’re always open to employee feedback and suggestions.
