How to Provide Coffee, Tea, Water & Juice in Workplaces

Providing drinks in the workplace is one of the simplest ways to improve the daily experience for employees and visitors. Whether it’s a morning coffee, an afternoon tea, a glass of chilled water, or a refreshing juice, access to good-quality drinks helps people stay hydrated, focused, and comfortable throughout the day. 

Many organisations now see workplace drinks as part of their wider wellbeing strategy. A well-planned drinks setup can support productivity, encourage staff to take short breaks, and create a more welcoming environment for clients and guests. 

This guide explains how businesses can provide coffee, tea, water, and juice in workplaces in a practical, sustainable, and easy-to-manage way. 

Understand What Your Workplace Needs 

The first step is to consider how drinks will actually be used in your workplace. The size of your team, working patterns, and available space will all influence the best approach. 

For example, a small office might only need a compact drinks station with a coffee machine and water tap, while a larger workplace may benefit from dedicated refreshment points that include water dispensers and juice options. 

Some useful questions to ask include: 

• How many employees are in the workplace each day? 

• Are there visitors or clients regularly on site? 

• Is there a kitchen or breakout space available? 

• How often will drinks be used throughout the day? 

Understanding these factors helps ensure the drinks setup is practical and convenient rather than overcrowded or underused. 

Set Up a Central Drinks Station 

Many workplaces choose to create a central refreshment area where employees can prepare drinks easily. This might be a kitchen, breakout space, or dedicated coffee point. 

A central drinks station typically includes: 

• A coffee machine or coffee preparation area 

• Tea-making facilities such as a boiling water tap and a selection of teas 

• A chilled water source 

• Juice options for variety 

• Cups, mugs, and recycling facilities 

Having a single well-organised space encourages people to step away from their desks briefly, which can help with focus and collaboration. 

For larger workplaces, it may be helpful to provide several smaller stations across different areas to reduce queues and improve accessibility. This is especially worth considering if your business is across multiple floors. 

Provide a Variety of Options 

Not everyone wants the same drink during the day, so offering a range of options helps ensure everyone has something they enjoy. 

Common workplace drink options include:

Coffee 

Coffee is often the most frequently consumed workplace drink. Options can range from simple filter coffee to bean-to-cup machines that prepare fresh drinks automatically. 

Tea 

Tea remains extremely popular in many workplaces. Providing a selection such as black tea, herbal teas, and green tea allows employees to choose what suits them. It also helps to provide a great caffeine-free option. 

Water 

Access to clean drinking water is essential. Many workplaces provide chilled water through dispensers or integrated water taps to encourage regular hydration. 

Juice 

Juice can offer a refreshing alternative to hot drinks. Some workplaces provide bottled juice through vending stations, while others use chilled juice dispensers or fresh juice machines. 

Consider Convenience & Ease of Use 

The easier it is to access drinks, the more likely employees are to use the facilities. Simple, intuitive setups help avoid unnecessary interruptions or confusion. 

A few practical tips include: 

• Keep drinks equipment in clearly accessible areas 

• Ensure cups, glasses and supplies are easy to reach* 

• Provide clear instructions where needed 

• Make sure waste and recycling bins are nearby 

Regularly checking that supplies such as coffee beans, tea bags, and cups are stocked can also prevent disruption during busy periods. 

*Another great tip is to encourage employees to bring in their own mugs, but make sure that you provide storage space within the drinks area for when they are not in use. 

Maintain Hygiene & Cleanliness 

Workplace drink areas should be kept clean and well-maintained to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. 

Simple practices can make a big difference, including: 

• Cleaning equipment regularly 

• Emptying waste bins frequently 

• Wiping down surfaces daily 

• Encouraging employees to rinse mugs or glasses after use* 

If machines are used for coffee, water, or juice, routine maintenance and cleaning help keep them working efficiently while maintaining drink quality. 

*A lot of clients who are building their stations from scratch like to include communal dishwashers in the space to provide that extra layer of convenience and cleanliness for staff. 

Think About Sustainability 

Many workplaces are now looking for ways to reduce waste and operate more sustainably. Drinks facilities can play a role in this by encouraging environmentally responsible choices. 

Some simple approaches include: 

• Providing reusable mugs or glasses instead of disposable cups 

• Offering recycling bins for packaging 

• Choosing responsibly sourced coffee or tea 

• Reducing plastic packaging where possible 

Even small changes can help make workplace refreshment areas more environmentally friendly. 

Create a Comfortable Break Culture 

Drinks areas often become informal gathering spaces where employees can take short breaks, chat with colleagues, and reset during the day. 

Encouraging people to step away from their desks for a few minutes can support wellbeing and improve focus when they return to work. 

Adding seating, natural light, or comfortable breakout areas near drinks stations can help create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 

Keeping The Workplace Hydrated 

Providing coffee, tea, water, and juice in workplaces doesn’t need to be complicated. By understanding your team’s needs, offering a variety of drinks, and maintaining clean, accessible refreshment areas, businesses can create a simple setup that supports both wellbeing and productivity. 

Small details, like convenient drink stations, reliable equipment, and thoughtful drink choices, can make a meaningful difference to the everyday workplace experience. 

If you’re exploring ways to improve workplace refreshments or planning a new drinks setup, the team at Liquidline can guide practical workplace drink solutions and setup options.