As an employer, you always want to keep your employees happy, motivated, and satisfied. One way to achieve this is by providing amenities such as a break room that includes a snack vending machine. However, before granting your employees' request for a snack machine, it's important to consider the pros and cons. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of owning a snack machine and provide a guide for employers on what to consider before making a decision.
Benefits of Owning A Snack Machine:
1. Convenience: A snack vending machine provides easy access to snacks, drinks, and other items that employees may need during their break time, without having to leave the premises. This saves employees from having to travel to a convenience store, which can be both time-consuming and inconvenient.
2. Productivity: Providing quick and easy access to snacks and drinks can improve employees' productivity by eliminating the need to leave the office in search of refreshments.
3. Cost-Effective: Owning a snack machine can be cost-effective as it eliminates the need for an employee to be deployed to serve snacks and drinks during breaks, saving you money from hiring a person.
4. Employee Satisfaction: Providing employees with a snack machine shows that you care about their well-being, which can improve their morale, job satisfaction, and motivation level. This shows that the company is invested in their wellbeing and can help you foster employee loyalty.
Drawbacks of Owning A Snack Machine:
1. Maintenance: Like any other appliance, snack machines require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and refilling products. You will have to hire a professional vending machine company to handle the maintenance which can incur additional costs.
2. Consumption: Snack machines can lead to unhealthy eating habits when employees are provided with easy access to sugary and fatty snacks. Along with that, the machine can lead to a snack addiction, in which an employee is dependent on the machine for quick energy boosts.
3. Cost: The cost of purchasing a snack machine can be high, and so can the monthly expenses of restocking and maintenance, which would impact your budget, and the ROI would take time.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Snack Machine:
1. Employee Preferences: Before purchasing a snack machine, it's essential to consider the types of snacks and drinks that your employees prefer. This will help you ensure the contents of the vending machine are well-stocked and satisfy their cravings.
2. Placement: Consider the location of the break room and whether it's easily accessible to employees. Determine how many of machines you will install, and where they will be located.
3. Budgeting: Before purchasing a snack machine, determine your budget, and how much of the cost you'll be able to recover through the sales generated by the machine.
4. Maintenance: You need to hire a reputable vending machine company to maintain and service the machine regularly, this will ensure that the machine functions efficiently and employees get access to fresh snacks and drinks.
In conclusion, owning a snack machine can be beneficial for both employers and employees. However, it's crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before investing in a snack machine. The key is to balance the cost, benefits, and employee preferences. By doing this, you can select the perfect vending machine for your company, which will provide your employees with their deserved snack and drink alternatives, thus keeping them motivated, energized, and satisfied.