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The Sunday Telegraph
Coffee brews trouble at work
By CLAIR WEAVER

COFFEE breaks are costing Sydney businesses more than $1billion a year in lost productivity, according to latest estimates.
Workers seeking their daily caffeine fix have overtaken smokers as the biggest time-wasters.
Smokos cost the city's companies less than half as much in lost revenue at about $0.45billion, according to recruitment firm Talent 2.
While the average cigarette break takes five minutes, a trip to your favourite barista usually amounts to more than 10 minutes.
The walk to the cafe, queuing up and time spent making popular personalised beverages like a skinny soya decaf double shot latte contribute to the wait.
John Banks, director of Talent 2, believes time lost from lengthening coffee breaks will become an issue for companies.
``I am sure there will be organisations that will begin to take control of the number of people who leave ad hoc for coffee,'' he said.
``But it would need to be dealt with sensitively and individually.''
But it's not all bad news: coffee breaks can also be beneficial.
``It's a social activity and people need to get away from their desks,'' Mr Banks added.
``And you could argue staff are more productive when they come back because they have had their fix.''
In a bid to stem the flow of roving coffee drinkers, some companies have installed an in-house cafe or coffee machine.
Espresso Essential offers businesses vending machines to deliver freshly ground, high-quality coffee to employees.
Managing Director Mike Koolen said: ``It's all about having great tasting products with freshly ground beans and equipment that is easy to use and maintain with a solid service network.
``Productivity is also part of the rationalisation.''
The machines suit shift workers and deliver a cheaper cup because of the reduced overheads and optional company subsidies.
Lorena Mattiolo, a personal assistant at St John of God health services in Burwood, enjoys coffee from a Coffee Ezy machine.
``It's really good coffee,'' she said.
``Everyone here uses it all the time and it's so quick that you don't have to wait in queues.''
Les Schirato, CEO of Vittoria Coffee, said there had been a dramatic increase in the number of companies opting to install baristas and espresso machines in-house in recent years.
``But we have noticed it will only work if you offer good coffee and someone who knows how to make it,'' he said.
``It has got to be cafe quality or people will still go out for it.
``MDs from large companies are saying it means people don't have to go downstairs or go a long way to get a good coffee.''