The Daily Grind

Break Room

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5 Types of Workplace Culture: Which is Best For Your Business?

There are many different types of workplace cultures. Just because one big firm is successful with their company strategies does not mean it will work for your business as well. Whichever type of culture you choose to adopt, it is important to define the culture and values that are important to you. What will you stand behind years to come? It is the role of management to set the standard for a team to follow. Strive to make managerial decisions that represent your businesses’ core values. Make sure everyone on your team is on the same page in terms of what is expected of them. Across the country, there are many companies implementing a variety of strategies to stay on the cutting edge of success. It is important that you look at what’s working. Then you can define what style of culture will be right for your business. Here are

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The Role of the Break Room as Employees Return to NY & NJ Offices

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] Experienced Break Room Supplier and Designer in NY and NJ In the nearly 26 years that we’ve been providing office coffee service throughout the New York City metro area, we’ve seen how important the employee break room is. It’s not only where teams take a quick break, it also becomes a nerve center for companies. It’s the heart of the office, where employees gather to chat, refresh, and refuel. The Break Room is the Heart of Your Office. Make it Great! Having a well-stocked break room with the snacks and beverages employees want has always played an integral role in the success of many of our clients. Today,

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shelves stocked with various snacks

Contracting a Pantry Service Provider for Your NY/NJ Company? Make Sure to Hire an Experienced Team.

For over 26 years, Corporate Essentials has been providing the best in office coffee service throughout the NYC metro area. Ten years ago, in 2012, we added full pantry service for our New York City and New Jersey clients. In that time, other players have entered the market—but there are key differences between partnering with a seasoned office pantry service provider like us and a rookie service that’s still trying to figure it all out. Leading NY & NJ Office Pantry Service Provider When you work with an experienced, professional full-service office pantry team like Corporate Essentials, you’ll find: Knowledgeable attendants who can answer questions about the products in your pantry service, and the services they provide, to ensure a positive client experience Refrigerated trucks for seamless and safe transportation of perishable food products and drinks The ability to reallocate staff and resources to meet client needs or market challenges

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people in office with masks on

Strategies for Bringing Employees Back to the Office in 2022… and Keeping Remote Team Members Engaged

It’s 2022 and in the almost-post-COVID era, the return to the office is really happening. Many companies are figuring out how to bring employees back to their locations in the new normal of the on-site workplace. There’s a lot to consider to ensure that team members are comfortable, protected, and happy to be back.  Those water cooler moments or break room gatherings might look slightly different today, workspaces could be reconfigured, and for the NY and NJ clients we serve, indoor restaurant dining may not yet be comfortable for everyone. Employers must also support their remote employees who still want to feel “part of the team.” Keeping WFH team members engaged and satisfied presents new challenges that require fresh thinking. In addition, many employers might have to balance a hybrid on-site/off-site workforce.  These factors present challenges to maintaining a positive company culture and employee connections to each other and to

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Corporate Essentials Single Source Provider

Single Source for Office Coffee, Refreshment & Pantry Services NYC NJ

Strategies for Creating a Safe Workplace, Positive Company Culture and Keeping Employees Happy As experts in corporate coffee service, pantry services, and corporate break room design, we help corporations create safe, satisfying spaces that deliver what your team craves. Touchless craft coffee, better-for-you snacks, and curated fresh office catering, including grab-and-go meals. The Convenient, Cost-Effective Solution for All Your Workplace Essentials For 25 years+, we’ve grown along with our clients’ needs and market demands. With Corporate Essentials, you’ll save time, money, and the hassles of dealing with multiple service providers. Turn to us as your convenient single source for superior customer service, high-quality equipment, and the newest trends in healthy snacks and beverages your team craves. Everything Your Company Needs. Everything Your Team Wants. Pantry Services Our goal: to help keep your employees fueled, focused, and well fed (and keep your pantry fully stocked.) We provide the highest quality brands

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person wiping down table

The Importance of Maintaining Proper Sanitization in the Workplace

As employees are returning to the workplace, it’s time for employers to take a hard look at ways to keep their teams safe and comfortable being back together again. The company break room will likely be a gathering place once again for co-workers, so keeping that space sanitized is important for your entire team’s safety and well-being. Break Room Sanitization Audit Look around your office break room and office coffee station for an informal break room audit. Are there adequate cleaning and sanitization supplies readily available for everyone to use? Is there proper signage for hand washing? Is your space set up physically, or are there guidelines in place to enable social distancing? Do you have PPE on hand for those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask or using gloves to handle items in common areas? Have you implemented air and/or surface sanitization protocols or installed products that inactivate

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person eating salad

Establishing a Corporate Wellness Program To Create a Successful Team

Establishing a Corporate Wellness Program Will Give Your Business a Shot in the Arm Time for a Wellness Visit—at the Office There are excellent reasons for companies to initiate a corporate wellness program and now is the perfect time, as employees return to the office. Not only will it improve your team’s overall health and productivity, but it can also lower health care, workman’s comp, and disability costs; reduce absenteeism; and increase employee motivation and loyalty. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7 of the top 10 causes of death were chronic diseases–among the most costly and preventable. By providing a health and wellness program at the workplace, you support your team with education and resources on topics like nutrition, substance and tobacco abuse, and mental health that positively impact their wellbeing and reduce your employees’ risk of disease. This results in fewer sick days, better

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two people having small talk at a table

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Small Talk in the Workplace

The isolation of the pandemic has brought about the realization that we’ve forgotten the fine art of small talk. Although it may seem relatively trivial, small talk is essential to our development as a society. The ability to converse in a light, friendly manner helps put people at ease and fosters open communication between friends and colleagues. At work, it allows us to transition to more serious subjects, learn about ourselves and others, and develop a healthy rapport. In fact, research shows that spontaneous conversations with our coworkers can spark collaboration, improve creativity, generate innovation, and heighten employee performance and foster a feeling of being a part of the team. In a recent study analyzing smalltalk productivity, subjects reported feeling more positive emotions–including friendliness, gratitude, pride, and energy on the days when they experienced small talk in the morning. That energy elevated their well-being and made them feel less burned

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team-high-five

Benefits Beyond the Basics Create a Happier Workplace

During his tenure as mayor of New York City from 1978-1989, Ed Koch was commonly heard asking his constituents, “How am I doing?” Koch was ahead of the curve in understanding that honest feedback from the residents of New York was a critical part of knowing how to best serve the city. When applying that philosophy to the workplace, the same holds true. Asking for feedback from employees increases motivation, empowerment, and contentment in the workplace. Although they are intangible qualities, they are inherently beneficial to growing a successful business. Employees crave appreciation, work-life balance, honesty, and transparency, which may require intentionally creating a healthier culture at the workplace. For instance, a benefit trends study by MetLife reveals that 69% of employees say that having a more comprehensive array of benefits would increase loyalty to their employer. Another statistic notes that 59% state that their employers provide benefits and programs

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open break room

The Break Room Breakdown: Office Pantries vs. Micro Markets

Business owners are quickly realizing the benefits of showing a little extra love to their employees post-pandemic . . . and what better way than to keep them healthfully fed and fueled? Two popular ways to provide refreshments and meals to your team throughout the day are office pantries and micro markets. These employee perks will help your business attract the best talent and build positive culture and morale. But, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s the breakdown: Office Pantry Services Office pantries—also called free vend service—are designed to offer beverages and snacks free of cost to employees with all expenses picked up by the employer. Pantries have reach-in coolers and racks filled with drinks and snacks ready for team members to grab at will. Inventory and layout design can be customized according to budget, needs, and space requirements. This service is also a time-saver

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Strategies for Returning Employees to the Office Safely, Keeping Home-Based Employees Engaged

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Companies are now dealing with the return to work and new normal of the on-site workplace—keeping employees physically distanced, maintaining an unprecedented level of disinfection, and ensuring workers are comfortable, protected, and happy to be back on location. Gathering ‘round the water cooler or the break room is likely to be less frequent, workspaces will be reconfigured, and going out to lunch together could be a thing of the past (at least for now). Employers must also support the WFH team, who will be missing those in-office interactions from a different place, literally, and still desire to feel “part of the team” when they’re not on site. Keeping them engaged and satisfied presents new challenges that require

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