If coffee is your secret weapon for getting through work, then you’re not alone. Millions of us can’t start the day without a cup of the good stuff and a few more before it’s time to head home.

It’s no surprise then, that the lowly coffee break is actually one of the most important parts of your day and can affect everything from your mood level, productivity and even how much you like your boss. Just imagine your day minus your morning coffee and you will understand.

These are just some of the hidden benefits coffee brings to the workplace.

YOU’RE HAPPIER

That’s right, the easiest way to put a smile on an employee’s face? A good quality coffee machine. It might seem simple, but providing workers with quality facilities makes them feel more appreciated and taken care of by their employers and it makes sense that feeling valued creates happier and more loyal workers.

IT’S A SOCIAL THING

You will probably be surprised at just how important a coffee machine is to building relationships with colleagues as in many cases making a beverage is the most social part of the working day. Think back to your first few conversations at a new job, we bet it happened when you were making a coffee or even pushed you to interact with someone when you needed to find out where they kept their cups.

It’s a moment where you take a break from work mode and where you interact with people you might not actually work with day-to-day, giving people a chance to talk about something other than work and build friendships that may well make you better at your job.

A COFFEE BREAK MAKES YOUR MORE PRODUCTIVE

It’s been proven that taking breaks makes you more productive and making a coffee is the perfect excuse to tear your eyes away from work and change up your environment for a few minutes. It not only gives your brain a break, but getting up and walking around helps combat boredom and lethargy. So if you feel like your energy levels are taking a dive, it might be time for another cup.

COFFEE GIVES YOU A WORK BOOST

It’s not just the chance for a break that improves your performance – it’s been claimed that coffee increases your concentration and creativity. As well as being a delicious drink, coffee is a stimulant that gives your central nervous systems a boost and keeps you alert. Two things you need at work, especially if you’re a shift worker who doesn’t follow the natural pattern of sleep.