by Athirah Sofea
Black. Dirty. Au lait. Single shot. Double shot. Short black. Long black. The list of options seems endless.
We all have our coffee preferences, whether it’s a simple black coffee, an indulgent au lait or a punchy double shot. As someone who isn’t a dedicated coffee drinker, I sometimes feel a bit nervous when ordering a cup. However, the baristas have a way of turning the coffee experience into a delightful one and suggest drink options that align with my taste. Over the years, I have noticed how baristas strive to build relationships and trust with their customers, and that’s an aspect of coffee culture that I truly appreciate.
Coffee is one of the nation’s favourite drinks and it undeniably brings people together. It used to be a convenient beverage for conversations at home as well as at the workplace, but now it nurtures new social coffee culture.
In conjunction with International Coffee Day that is celebrated annually on October 1, let’s explore how we can leverage the power of coffee culture to benefit our teams.
In our busy workdays, one simple pleasure remains constant – coffee. But beyond individual tastes, coffee has the ability to bring colleagues together. Imagine a busy morning at the office, with deadlines approaching. Then someone suddenly mentions, “Who’s up for a coffee break?” Suddenly, the atmosphere lightens. The impromptu coffee breaks are an opportunity for you to get to know your colleagues on a deeper level, where you learn more about their interests, hobbies and more. Inevitably, these conversations can lead to stronger relationships and better teamwork in the workplace.
Not just that, instead of having meetings in a normal meeting room setting, why not invite your colleagues to a nearby cafe once in a while, especially if you’re looking to break the monotony and create a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a casual and informal setting that encourages open dialogue and creative brainstorming (the caffeine stimulant will surely help!), providing a chance to break down barriers and collaborate more effectively.
“Do you want to meet for ‘fika’?”
In Sweden they have a wonderful concept called ‘fika’, which means coffee break. But it is not about grabbing a cup of Joe and drinking it at your desk while you work. It’s about connecting with co-workers and taking a break from what you’re doing. ‘Fika’ encourages socializing, de-stressing and seeking support or advice during your breaks. This concept can easily be adopted in any workplace to promote unity among colleagues.
In short, coffee has a remarkable ability to unite people, especially colleagues. Whether it’s a spontaneous coffee break, a coffee meeting, or embracing the concept of ‘fika’, coffee provides a common ground for us to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships in the workplace. So, the next time you sip your favourite brew, remember that it’s not just coffee – it’s an opportunity to foster workplace unity.
