The Office Vending Machine Guide to Employee Engagement

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by: ArcticAl
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Word Count: 416
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 Time: 12:16 AM
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Office vending machines see it all. The office worker needing a break from the phones and demanding boss. The loving glances of workplace romances. The shift worker desperate for a quick pick me up. So whilst the office vending machine forms the hub of office social life, how can it improve employee engagement - the loyalty X-factor?

There are three cornerstones to employee engagement:

1. Aligning people with an organisations mission, vision and values.
So how can a vending machine be this strategic? Consider this: Some vending machines are more sustainable than others. With sustainability high on the agenda for many companies, make sure this is considered and communicated.

2. Management

Informal discussion spaces are better for many working issues than a more formal ‘room booking' system, and less intimidating for employees. The office vending machine simply oils the wheels without having to wait for a kettle to boil. Providing a seating place close to the vending machines will create a cross department meeting place where scheduled and unscheduled meetings can blossom.

Make sure your employees know about the effects of dehydration and encourage them to see the vending machine as a service to keep them mentally alert and healthy rather than needing to reach for the headache pills.

Other ways to make your staff feel valued include letting your staff have a say in the choice of drinks from the vending machine. Or trying a fully managed service, meaning that your vending machine is regularly refilled for you: this way, there's always tea for the thirsty and comforting hot chocolate on cold, rainy nights.

3. Internal communications

People are drawn to vending machines, and more likely to read a noticeboard whilst waiting for their products than an email telling them who their fire officer is, or about changes to structures, or important company wins.

You could take this further by ensuring that employees realise the effects of dehydration and encourage them to see the vending machine as a service to keep them mentally alert and healthy rather than needing to reach for the headache pills.

Have some fun with the machine. For example, send out a monthly questionnaire asking what's the best thing they've heard by the vending machine? Or who they've met from other departments by the vending machine? This kind of information (excluding, of course, the rude one from the office joker) can feed into a fun piece in staff magazines, or get a free vend prize for the best response. Go on, use your imagination.

About the Author

KLIX vending machines are easy to use and highly reliable. The Klix office vending machine serves over 1 billion drinks per year.