Company treated employees with better coffee. Result: Breaks got longer, chaos in pantry and finally...machines are gone

Economic Times

2 days ago

iStock An exasperated employee recently revealed how their co-workers misused an office facility.(Representational image)
In a recent revelation shared on the 'Indian Workplace' subreddit, an agitated employee shed light on the unfortunate misuse of a thoughtful workplace upgrade. The company in question had long been criticized for its outdated and poorly functioning coffee machines, which churned out subpar beverages that employees jokingly referred to as undrinkable.
In an effort to enhance employee satisfaction, the management partnered with Nestlé starting April 1, 2025, to replace the old machines with premium alternatives. These new machines were capable of dispensing a wide range of high-quality beverages. From refreshing cold coffee, iced tea, and chilled chocolate drinks to comforting options like tomato soup and hot chocolate, the facility was designed to offer a luxurious refreshment experience throughout the day.
However, what was meant to be a generous gesture soon spiraled into a logistical nightmare. The upgraded amenities triggered a frenzy among the staff, many of whom began crowding around the machines and treating them as an all-you-can-drink buffet. Instead of enjoying an occasional drink, individuals consumed multiple servings in one go, monopolizing the pantry area and creating disorder.The situation worsened when small groups began to take control of the space, preventing others from accessing the machines. As a result, tempers flared, and arguments broke out over beverage access. The constant usage led to the machines running out of premixes within hours each day, far exceeding anticipated consumption rates.Morning coffee breaks began stretching far beyond reasonable limits, with many employees absent from workstations during peak hours. Managers became increasingly frustrated as the absenteeism disrupted meeting schedules and overall productivity.Complaints began pouring in during afternoon and evening hours, as employees arriving later found no beverages left. To address the issue, the company increased the frequency of refills from three times a week to three times a day. Even this proved insufficient.Within just two months, the stock of beverage premixes meant to last half a year was completely depleted. The workplace administration, initially enthusiastic about the upgrade, found itself exasperated and disappointed.Faced with such excessive misuse and operational disruption, the management ultimately decided to discontinue the premium service. The office is now reverting to its former, substandard coffee solution—a move that many saw coming.For some employees who tried to use the service responsibly, the entire episode is a frustrating reminder that collective discipline is essential. In the end, what was meant to be a positive step turned into a cautionary tale about how privilege, when taken for granted, can quickly be lost.