Vending Machine Options | Modern Vending Technology | Scottsdale Break Room Services | Cashless Payments

3 Upgrades to Modern Scottsdale Vending Machine Technology You Probably Didn’t Know About

Vending Machine Options | Modern Vending Technology | Scottsdale Break Room Services | Cashless Payments

Are you looking to upgrade the break room solutions at your office in Scottsdale? Vending machines might be the perfect option for your company. With new advances and state of the art technology, modern vending machines have become more convenient than ever. A few of our favorite advances in the vending machine industry include cashless payment options, new eco-friendly practices, and pre-kitting technology.

To learn more about how these three improvements are enhancing the in-office vending machine experience, keep reading below.

Cashless Payments

Most people aren’t carrying around cash these days. Credit and debit cards, as well as mobile apps like Apple Pay, have become the primary payment option. Therefore, vending machines with cashless payment options make transactions easy and convenient for employees during their lunch break. Scottsdale cashless technology allows for people to pay with a debit and credit card reader or through mobile payment acceptors.

Cashless payments are not only convenient and easy. With mobile payment enabled, you’ll also have more online reporting capabilities. So you’ll be able to get a better idea of what kinds of food your employees are enjoying. Additionally, offering card or mobile payment options on vending machine items will increase snack sales at your office due to better accessibility and faster service.

“Green” Equipment

While the convenience of cashless payments is great, one of the best advances in modern vending machines is the implementation of eco-friendly practices. For instance, you can now save energy by choosing better lighting in your company vending machine. A typical vending machine uses 50 to 180 watts to continuously power the lights and ballasts. This not only wastes energy, but it can also rack up the office electric bill.

Instead, look for T8 or LED light replacements to limit energy use. Some vending machines even allow for timers that turn off the machine’s lights at night and on weekends. With these advanced eco-conscious options, your office will have the greenest Scottsdale break room solutions!

Vending Machine Technology | Green Equipment | Scottsdale Vending Service | Workplace Refreshment Services

Pre-Kitting Technology to Stock the Vending Machine

The term “pre-kitting” simply refers to prepping vending deliveries in a warehouse based on machine inventory needs. There are newly developed technologies that can now automate and streamline this process while providing greater accuracy of deliveries. Pre-kitting allows for the vending machine driver to save time on deliveries and more efficiently stock your Scottsdale micro-market or vending machine. It also eliminates the need to physically go to the machine, count what is needed, and then go back and forth to retrieve the proper snacks.

Overall, modern vending machines are a convenient and efficient addition to your company break room. For more information on the best break room solutions in Scottsdale, head to Southwest Refreshments or call us at 623.780.3036 now!

Phoenix Office Pantry Service | Employee Benefit | Workplace Refreshment Solutions | Corporate Wellness

3 Reasons Office Pantry Service Will Set Your Phoenix Company Apart

Phoenix Office Pantry Service | Employee Benefit | Workplace Refreshment Solutions | Corporate Wellness

When it comes to providing perks for your employees in Phoenix, workplace vending machines or refreshment services can often be overlooked. However, an office pantry service might be the thing that makes your corporation stand out among the rest. Why? Because providing healthy snacks and high-quality break room solutions will both attract and retain hardworking employees.

Interested to learn more about how a company pantry service can boost your company morale and workplace culture? Keep reading for the top three reasons a Phoenix office pantry service will set your company apart.

Keep Employee Retention High

Providing free snacks and drinks at work pays off. Employees will feel taken care of. In turn, they’ll be happier and more motivated to stay loyal to your brand. Conversely, losing valuable employees will end up costing you more money than providing a food service in the long run. On-boarding new employees, especially those at an executive level, can be a long and expensive process. Why risk this when maintaining high company morale can be as simple as a break room pantry service?

Creates a Space for Collaboration

Being stuck at their desk leaves little room for employees to connect and collaborate with team members in different departments. Offering your Phoenix break room pantry services creates an interactive social workspace. It generates a more casual, relaxed environment for workers to bounce ideas off of each other and get inspired. Companies can always use more of that!

Office Pantry Service in Phoenix | Promote Productivity | Interactive Social Workplace

Company pantry services not only give employees the opportunity to connect over snacks and coffee in terms of work. Free refreshments and a space to chat creates meaningful professional relationships that increase loyalty to your brand. Therefore, the happier and more connected to each other your employees are, the more successful your brand can be. Yes, a pantry service can help you be a successful and recognizable company in the Phoenix area.

Customize Your Office Pantry Service to Employee Needs

It’s important to stock your office pantry service with a nice variety of healthy snacks and drinks so there’s something for everyone. The good news is, Phoenix health and wellness programs offer customizable solutions to cater to your employees’ wants or needs. No vegan or gluten-free eater will be left behind!

Of course, eating the same healthy snacks every day can get old – no matter how good they might be! That’s why it’s a great idea to have a rotating menu of alternative snack choices. Introduce a new snack selection each month or quarter to keep things interesting and your colleagues excited about the free service.

Are you ready to find a high-quality company pantry service in Phoenix? We’re here to help! Visit us at Southwest Refreshments or call us at 623.780.3036.

Break Times in Scottsdale | Vending Service | Office Coffee Service

Optimize Your Scottsdale Employee Break Times: When Should You Visit the Break Room?

Break Times in Scottsdale | Vending Service | Office Coffee Service

While workdays look different for everyone in Scottsdale, one thing is common across industries; there are certain times people can expect to see their coworkers in the break room. Most notably lunchtime, but also around 2:00 pm, when the afternoon “blahs” set in and everyone looks to office coffee or tea for the solution.

But what if employees didn’t wait until they were sluggish to take a break and recoup? What if the ideal time wasn’t mid-afternoon, but instead, mid-morning?

Earlier Breaks Promote Productivity

When asked, employees report that mid-morning breaks between 10:00 and 11:00 AM have the biggest impact on productivity. Not only do these mid-morning breaks promote productivity, but they also boost energy, concentration, and motivation. The further an employee’s break is from the start of the day, the less impact it has on their work performance.

The secret behind this philosophy is that employees shouldn’t wait until the afternoon slump to recharge. Taking a break before they are tired, even if it’s just a trip to the vending machine, can prevent them from hitting that afternoon wall.

Better Breaks Improve Satisfaction

Employees in Scottsdale who spend part of their break doing something they enjoy has a positive impact on workplace satisfaction. What’s more, you’ll see employee benefits with fewer job-related complaints, such as headaches, eye strain, and low back pain. They are also less likely to get burned out. Improve your employee’s breaks with our innovative micro-market services.

Break Times in Scottsdale | Vending Service | Office Coffee Service

Encourage Regular Break Times

When a company wants to do what’s best for its employees and promote productivity, they should encourage regular break times. That’s right, even if those breaks are only a few hours after employees clocked in. Persuading regular breaks helps employees keep their tanks full throughout the day.

Make sure to offer a comfortable break room with a variety of healthy snacks and beverages. That helps convince Scottsdale employees that breaks are important. From traditional vending machines to office coffee, when leadership provides refreshment supplies as part of the employee benefit, it boosts company morale and makes employees feel valued and appreciated.

Looking for Break Room Services in Scottsdale?

If your Scottsdale business is looking for break room or vending services from a local company you can trust, look no further than Southwest Refreshments. We offer a full range of services, including vending machines, micro-markets, and office coffee service. Call us at 623.780.3036 to learn how we can improve your break room today!

Phoenix Office Coffee Service | Refreshment Solutions | Cup of Joe | Office Productivity

3 Reasons to Provide Free Coffee at Your Phoenix Workplace

Phoenix Office Coffee Service | Refreshment Solutions | Cup of Joe | Office Productivity

There are few things a hard-working employee loves more than that first sip of coffee in the morning. But if the employee’s company doesn’t provide an office coffee service, it can be hard to squeeze in enough time to brew or pick up a cup, especially in Phoenix. This leads to a less satisfying workday, and in turn, a less productive one.

Considering that coffee is a daily necessity for many Americans, a growing number of businesses are adding free coffee products into their break room. Not convinced to do this yet? Here are three reasons you should provide free coffee at your company’s workplace.

Promotes Collaboration and Socialization Between Employees

Having a great workplace culture is an increasingly important aspect of building a successful company. Providing refreshing drinks and coffee for your employees is a part of that.

Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in the break room with co-workers can help new employees feel welcomed, break down the social barriers of stiff working relationships. Workers can then relax and chat away from their desks and get their much-needed breaks. Additionally, socializing and becoming comfortable with other employees can lead to fantastic collaborations and ideas for future company projects.

Increases Company Moral

The best employees are ones who believe in and feel respected by the company they’re working for. Implementing an office coffee service is a simple yet effective way to provide your workers with an added benefit. Also, it shows how much you care about their wellbeing at the office. A cup of coffee can go a long way, as work perks like this often help retain employees long-term.

Office Coffee Service in Phoenix | Increased Energy | Coffee Break

If you’re looking for an office coffee service in Phoenix, Southwest Refreshments is the first place you should turn. We inspire positive workplace environments through our corporate coffee products and services, therefore helping to keep your workers happy and your business thriving.

Makes Break Times More Efficient

Having a space for employees to stretch their legs and sip on an energy-boosting cup of coffee or tea is an excellent way to keep them efficient and on track throughout the day. In fact, taking small breaks throughout the day is necessary for increased productivity! In addition, workers won’t be wasting extra time leaving the office to head to the nearest coffee shop in Phoenix. They can get their afternoon pick-me-up for free just a few steps from their desk.

At Southwest Refreshments, we pride ourselves on providing delicious coffee products at affordable prices for companies in Phoenix. So your employees are sure to be satisfied and efficient all day long.

Are you ready to get the coffee brewing in your company break room now? Head to Southwest Refreshments or call 623.780.3036 to learn more about our office coffee services!

Office Coffee Brewers in Scottsdale

Discovering Office Coffee Brewers in Scottsdale

Office Coffee Brewers in Scottsdale

There are a lot of office coffee service industry terms. Understanding what they mean and how the various services differ is important to developing a successful program. Today, we’re going to look at the different types of brewers that are out there.

But, before we dive into everything, there is one important thing to understand. One type of equipment or brewer isn’t better than the other. Each option is a better fit for different uses. The key is to understand your Scottsdale business and determine how it will use the service.

The two main types of office coffee brewers that we’re going to look at today are traditional brewers and single or bean-to-cup brewers.

Classic Office Coffee Brewers

When most people think of coffee and the break room, they think of the glass carafe. While that style of carafe still exists, today’s commercial grade equipment offers so much more.

Traditional brewer options vary from single-burner to three-burner brewers. The size and layout of multiple-burner brewers varies from all three burners on a single level to a thinner or inline machine with two levels. There are also brewers that don’t use burners. These machines brew the coffee directly into an insulated and portable carafe.

Office Coffee Brewers in Scottsdale

Coffee pots can be glass or made of thermal materials. Airpots, which hold 15 cups, are a well known type of thermal carafe. Regardless of the size of the brewer or the type of carafe, traditional brewers serve large numbers of people quickly, day after day.

Single-Cup and Bean-to-Cup Brewers

Just like the name says, these brewers create single hot beverages. Depending on the type of coffee grounds or beans on the menu, employees can brew black coffee or espresso-based beverages from a single machine. 

The key difference between single-cup brewers and bean-to-cup brewers is the form of the coffee. Most Scottsdale employees associate a single-cup brewer with prepackaged grounds or pods. The bean-to-cup brewer grinds whole beans right before the beverage is brewed, resulting in the sights and smells of a coffee shop.

Because of the single-cup focus of these brewers, they work best when there aren’t large numbers of employees who need coffee quickly. It’s easy to imagine how long it would take for 50 employees to grab a hot beverage when it takes a minute or so to brew each cup.

Whether your Scottsdale break room needs several traditional brewers or one single-cup brewer, Southwest Refreshments can help. We’ll design the perfect solution with a variety of brands and roasts for your location. And don’t forget to include several tea options. Even coffee drinkers enjoy a green or herbal tea later in the day.

For more information about our office coffee service or other vending services, please contact us at 623.780.3036.

Subsidized Break Room Benefits in Phoenix

Benefits of Subsidized Break Room Services in Phoenix

Subsidized Break Room Benefits in Phoenix

Employee benefits are important. The quality and type of benefits available at a business can have one of two effects. They can either draw potential Phoenix employees to a company or push them away. While benefits can be expensive, there is one benefit that employees consider higher value but has a lower cost for employers. 

What is it? The answer is the break room.

We’re not talking about just any break room though. We are talking about a break room that offers subsidized vending services or pantry service. 

Lower Cost Services

In traditional vending machines or a micro-market, employees pay the full cost for the products they buy. For subsidized vending services, Phoenix employers pay part of the cost. Their employees then get to enjoy all or some products at a reduced price.

No Cost Services

Pantry service offers an even bigger benefit. Employees get to enjoy the snacks, beverages, and fresh food for free. At the end of each month, employers receive a bill for the products that employees ate and drank. From packaged snacks to bulk nut and cereal options, there is something for everyone.

Free vending is like pantry service, but with a couple of differences. First, the products are in a vending machine instead of sitting out in the open. Second, there is a limit on the number of products offered in a vending machine. Otherwise, the menu can be customized to include everyone’s favorites.

Subsidized Break Room Benefits in Phoenix

Benefits for All

A break room should be a place for employees to recharge and refuel. The Phoenix break room with free or subsidized refreshments becomes something more.

Employers can use the space to attract new and keep current employees and drive up company loyalty. Happier and more engaged employees are more likely to spend more time at work instead of going off-site for meals and breaks.

Both vending service options also allow for a wider variety of healthy snacks and beverages. Employees are more likely to grab a healthy product if they are easily accessible.

Let’s talk about your break room.

Are you ready to take the next step to boost your Phoenix company’s break room benefits? We can help. Southwest Refreshments offers various vending service options that can be customized to meet your budget and your employee’s snacking and beverage needs.

For more information, please contact us at 623.780.3036. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Vending Machines in Scottsdale

Vending Machines and Questions in Scottsdale

Vending Machines in Scottsdale

Have you been thinking about offering your employees drinks and snacks on-site but aren’t sure how? Adding one or more vending machines is a smart solution. Unlike vending machines of 20 years ago, today’s machines are high-tech machines that can be filled with various sought-after snacks, beverages, and fresh food.

While a vending provider should be there to answer your questions, it’s helpful to think about several things beforehand.

Where should you put the vending machines?

The first thing you should consider is where the high-traffic areas are in your Scottsdale office or facility. To improve employee access to the vending machines, each machine should be placed in an area where employees often go. That space might be a break room, locker room, or specific entrance or hallway.

There is, however, one caveat.

Even in often used areas, try to avoid spaces that will disrupt the flow of movement if blocked. For example, your break room might be a large welcoming space that is busy during breaks and lunch. But placing the vending machine next to the main entrance of the room can cause a backup at the door and block employees from entering or leaving.

Placement and Permits

In addition to traffic flow, it is important to consider if the necessary outlets and other utilities are where you want to put the vending machine and whether the machine’s measurements match the space available. Realizing that your new vending machine is half an inch too wide at the install is incredibly stressful.

Vending Machines in Scottsdale

You’ll also want to check with the building owner or manager about potential permit requirements. In some locations, placing a vending machine that your company receives a profit from may require added permits to make everything legal. Researching it upfront will save time and stress down the line.

Which products should you offer?

The answer to this question can be as unique as the people who will visit your Scottsdale vending machines. Students who need a healthy snack on their way to class may be looking for something different than an employee who needs to grab a quick lunch before their next meeting. Or maybe your geographical area prefers one brand of soda over another.

Discovering the types of snacks, beverages, and fresh food your employees want to see has another benefit. Employees are more likely to stay on-site during the workday instead of leaving to grab that bite to eat. Staying on-site has less visible but significant benefits, such as spontaneous conversations that lead to creative problem solving and increased productivity.

Now that you know a bit more about adding snack, beverage, and fresh food vending machines to your Scottsdale location, let us help you take the next step. For more information, please call Southwest Refreshments at 623.780.3036. We look forward to hearing from you!

Office Coffee Service in Phoenix

Coffee Is A High-Value Benefit in Phoenix

Office Coffee Service in Phoenix

Did you know that coffee is liquid gold? Well, not actual gold, but it’s certainly worth its weight in gold. And our office coffee service can help you find more gold. You might not believe that right now but hear me out.

Let’s start by looking at what happens without office coffee service in your break room.

  1. When coffee isn’t available or tastes bad, employees must find it elsewhere.
  2. Coffee has caffeine, and we all know caffeine is a popular energy booster.
  3. A great break room with a variety of delicious hot drinks is a highly valued employee benefit.

Now, let’s consider the impact that it can have.

Company Morale

Offering our service in your Phoenix break room can affect your employees. Start by asking your employees about the types of beverages they would like to see. Options might include traditional coffee, espresso-based beverages, single-cup options, or hot tea. Their preferences might surprise you.

Knowing that their employer listened, employees are more likely to feel valued, creating a positive workplace culture. The break room will also become a central meeting and relationship building location. Both planned and unplanned conversations lead to increased creativity, problem-solving, and a better overall team spirit.

Staying On-Site

This question might sound over-simplified, but where do your employees go if they can’t get a good coffee at work? The answer is off-site. While that should only require a short break, the reality is often quite different. A short break turns into a longer break, which means less time working and lower productivity.

Office Coffee Service in Phoenix

But, if you offer our service in your Phoenix break room, that doesn’t have to happen. Our menu includes everyone’s favorite hot beverages. Employees need only make a trip to the break room for a great-tasting cup of Joe and an impromptu conversation.

Coffee and Energy Levels

Employees in Phoenix are tired, so it shouldn’t be surprising that almost two-thirds of adults drink coffee every day. What can you do to help them with their lack of energy and need for caffeine? The answer is coffee. Not only does the caffeine supply an energy boost, but it can also improve one’s mood. And the high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients offer added health benefits.

Combine the three reasons above, and you can see why your break room needs our office coffee service. Your unique solution will include the perfect combination of brewers and brands to create the experience your employees deserve. From single-cup or bean-to-cup brewers to traditional brewing equipment, there is a solution for everyone.

For more information about upgrading your current coffee service or about our micro-market and vending services, please call Southwest Refreshments at 623.780.3036.

Coffee Service in Scottsdale

Coffee Service and the Scottsdale Micro-Market

Coffee Service in Scottsdale

Office coffee service (OCS) is often considered a separate service when it comes to the break room. But it doesn’t have to be. For a moment, ponder what it would be like to mesh coffee service with a micro-market. On their own, each offers distinct benefits. But when they are blended together in your Scottsdale office break room, they create a unique employee perk.

Employees now have a relaxed on-site spot to grab a gourmet coffee and a snack or meal. This is now even more important. Research has also found the best time to enjoy a cup of coffee is mid-morning or early afternoon, not right after waking up.

To effectively blend coffee service and micro-markets, there are two things to consider. The first is the different aspects of coffee service. And the second is how each aspect helps integrate coffee with the micro-market.

Coffee Brewers

  • choose a brewer that makes gourmet beverages; bean-to-cup and single-cup brewers are the current favorites
  • with the concerns around COVID-19, consider a touchless brewer
  • discover which brands are most sought after in your area—yes, brands matter even with brewers
Coffee Service in Scottsdale

Coffee Beans

  • offer a range of local and national brands
  • discover which coffee brands are well known and liked by your Scottsdale employees
  • make sure that the perception of the coffee brands matches the perception of the micro-market—both should be high-end

Other Coffee Service Factors  

  • place the coffee service near food and snacks that go well with coffee. Scottsdale employees are more likely to purchase a breakfast item or an afternoon treat if it’s nearby.
  • create a supply station with a variety of creamers, flavorings, and sweeteners.
  • employees are consumers. Brand recognition of brewers and coffee brands plays a role in purchase decisions.

To make the melding process easier, Southwest Refreshments can help. We will guide you through the steps of integrating your OCS into an existing micro-market or adding both at the same time. For more information about micro-markets, coffee service, and other vending solutions, please contact us at 623.780.3036.

Break Room Visits in Phoenix

Break Room Visits Help Phoenix Employees

Break Room Visits in Phoenix

Your Phoenix break room has potential. It doesn’t have to be a place that employees avoid or use sporadically. Instead, employees should be able to find a relaxing space with vending machines or a micro-market that offers delicious lunch options.

While breakfast is referred to as the most important meal of the day, lunch plays a crucial role in making the afternoon a success. Unfortunately, the lunch break is disappearing.

But isn’t this dedication to one’s career or job good for business? No. In fact, the opposite may be true. Rather than focusing on eating, many employees feel they need to do something more meaningful. They also feel guilty for not always being available.

Even employees who are working from home because of COVID-19 need a break too. Spending too much time at a desk without taking a break can decrease productivity and hurt the bottom line.

Creativity and Community

Everyone, including Phoenix employees, needs a change of scenery every now and then. Creative thinking and new ideas are more likely to occur after taking a break or moving to a new workspace. Going outside for a walk or sitting in the sun help solutions to form.

Break Room Visits in Phoenix

Studies also suggest that taking time off in the middle of the day, whether to eat, walk or take a coffee break with coworkers, creates a community culture within the workplace and happier, more productive employees.

Rejuvenate your Break Room

Although a walk outside can be beneficial, too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing, especially when a short break becomes an extended time away from the office. To create a sense of community and a pleasant place to go when getting away from the office isn’t ideal, create a better break space.

  • Offer quality coffee service (a high-value benefit at a lower cost) and healthy snacks and beverages. For a bonus, consider offering micro-market or vending options for free or at a reduced cost.
  • If possible, bring some of the outdoors inside with potted plants, oversized windows, or natural scenery wall murals.

Regardless of how you encourage your employees to get away from their desks, it’s essential that you do it. Whether it’s lunch out, a walk around the block, or a foosball tournament in your break room, your Phoenix employees will appreciate it.

To learn more about updating your break room or adding office coffee service, vending machines, or a micro-market, contact Southwest Refreshments at 623.780.3036. We look forward to hearing from you.