The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Australian Offices

A cup of coffee has become a symbol within workspaces—it’s a conversation starter, fuel for productivity, and sometimes, the best excuse for a well-timed break. In Australia, coffee culture has come a long way, moving from instant coffee in break rooms to fully automated setups that rival cafés.

But how did we get here, and why is coffee such a big deal today? Let’s take a sip through time.

The Start of Speciality Brews

Gone are the days of powdered coffee, communal kettles, and maybe a tin of sugar. As Australia’s café scene grew, so did its office coffee culture. Tea was initially the preferred beverage, but the shift to coffee started post-World War II. 

Italian immigrants shared their preference for espressos, forever changing how we drink our coffee. With more Italian-style coffee houses emerging in the 1950s, quality, fresh beans became the go-to. This steered us away from Parisian-style dining and leaned towards a more communal vibe, changing the coffee scene as a fusion of local and international traditions. Today, Melbourne is the coffee capital of Australia and home to some of the best baristas in the world.

Now, employees would choose to pay for barista brews rather than settle for second-rate coffee, leading to a rise in automatic coffee machine office setups. It has become a perk and, at times, an essential part of the workplace, so there’s no longer a need to step out for your daily fix.

From an Ultimate Perk to a Workplace Must-Have

It’s no secret that we take their coffee seriously, so much so that 75% of Australians indulge in at least one cup each day. It goes beyond a caffeine kick—having a quality coffee machine for the office boosts morale, encourages social interaction, and can even increase productivity.

Informal chats over coffee breaks often lead to better collaboration, stronger bonds, and fresh ideas. Grabbing a cuppa also lets you step away from your desk, reset, and return with renewed focus. And if we’re being completely honest, nothing gets your day started on the right foot like a fresh brew. 

Providing quality options shows employees they are valued, improving job satisfaction. This is why coffee has become an office staple rather than a mere employee benefit.

Drama-Free Subscriptions & Rentals

With the demand for better coffee, businesses are turning to office coffee machine rental services to keep up.

Renting a commercial-grade machine removes the guesswork, offering a reliable setup without immense upfront costs. They usually include servicing and maintenance as part of the package, so you can prevent a caffeine crisis over breakdowns or repairs.

Prefer your own machine but want a piece of convenience? Subscription models provide a steady supply of freshly roasted beans, ensuring every cup tastes as good as it would at your local café.

What’s Next for Coffee Culture in a 9 to 5?

The love for good coffee in the workplace isn’t slowing down. With more offices completing their pantry setup to give their teams free-flowing caffeine, employees can now enjoy premium beverages at the click of a button. 

Don’t get left behind. Create a coffee corner that makes a visit to the café worth a skip with 7 Grams Coffee.