How the Micro Market utilises modern workplace technology to improve refreshments.

Since its inception in 2013, the Micro Market has been streamlining on-site refreshments through technology. Advanced innovation has introduced new benefits to businesses across all industries, some of which they didn’t even know were needed.

During Covid, these benefits were further emphasised. And as we adapt to a new way of working, they are now largely required rather than previously desired. Read on to learn more about how the Micro Market utilises modern technology to improve the workplace.

What did workplace refreshments look like before Covid?

Workplace refreshment solutions were pretty varied prior to Covid-19. The fact that so many of these are no longer deemed suitable emphasises how unpractical and/or unhygienic these were.

What each business adopted largely depended on their size, staff volume and location. It wasn’t unusual to see smaller sites offer very little in the way of workplace refreshments, largely due to limited budget and space.

Consequently, aside from a small kitchen with a kettle, fridge, and toaster perhaps, such sites didn’t offer their staff much at all. This led to staff being forced off site or having to bring their own food and drink.

Meanwhile, larger sites felt as though they had more responsibility to offer what is very much an employee perk.

Indeed, the stats show these were a lot more popular with larger locations. Just 9% of sites with less than 100 staff would utilise one, whereas this increased to over 50% in locations with over 100 staff.

Contract caterers, where a company would visit a company’s premises to prepare, cook and serve food to staff at set times, were also very popular with businesses with a higher volume of staff.

How the Micro Market drives modern workplace technology.

The issue with the above solutions and facilities is that they don’t offer much in the way of flexibility. Limited provisions. Set mealtimes. Little opportunity to explore the true benefits of a break.

Nobody could foresee the implications of Covid-19 and know how this would shape the modern workplace, but we did identify a gap in the market for a workplace refreshment solution that is geared more towards those actually using it a long time ago.

Technology is a big reason why the Micro Market is changing the face of workplace refreshments.

The traditional 9-5 has been on the way out for some time, so we were able to replace the cashier with a self-service payment system that utilises cashless solutions for a quicker and safer experience.

The fact that nobody needs to assume control of the Micro Market means it’s a lot more flexible, to the tune of 24/7 availability. It largely works on the trust of those you have chosen to hire and the fact it is not accessible to the public, though again technology encourages peace of mind through always-on CCTV.

Meanwhile, a central management system bespoke to Express Refreshments monitors stock levels in real time. Our operators only need to visit your site when it is needed, carrying only products that are needed. This means refreshments are always available and you’re never without.

When compared with other on-site refreshment solutions, it’s mostly this modern technology that leaves the competition behind.

How the Micro Market with modern workplace technology compares.

You’ve read about how the Micro Market uses modern technology then, but what exactly are the full benefits of this?

Probably the biggest benefit is one that we have already mentioned. The working world is no longer 9-5 and Covid-19 has only helped to further destroy this traditional way of working. What that means is you need a refreshment solution that is always there and available for your team.

Contract catering has never been able to offer this.

It’s also no surprise that the Micro Market especially appeals to larger sites in perhaps remote locations. Because of telemetry that keeps your refreshments always topped up, your team have everything they need on site. No need to risk exceeding break times trying to find a sandwich or coffee shop, and no need to utilise delivery companies. Ideal.

Then there’s the hygiene side of things, something else placed firmly under the spotlight during the pandemic. Businesses are now a lot more conscious of little things such as shared touch points and distancing, not to mention the dangers of letting external employees constantly visit your site.

The Micro Market removes the need to have anyone unnecessary enter your place of work, aside from one of our operators adhering to all protocols every now and again. Your staff don’t need to interact with anyone to get what they want, including their own colleagues if they don’t want to.

Now, we’re big on genuine break out areas as a way to strengthen working relationships, but if your team prefer to grab what they need and get back to work then that’s fine. There are no set times that they must use the market which means no congregating together, and all items are pre-packaged for grab-and-go.

Honestly, it’s no wonder contract catering is continuing to fall victim to the last 20 months or so. Stats suggest that companies taking advantage of these services has dropped by 72% since before Covid.

32% of employees report a change in their use of one or more technologies in the past year and that is set to rise.

Experience modern workplace technology today.

More and more workplaces are experiencing the benefits of modern workplace technology with a meaningful employee perk that is the Micro Market. This has especially been the case across the pandemic, where changes in circumstances have promoted the market as the best refreshment solution.

Contact us today and see how it can be tailored to your workplace.