You want your break room to benefit employees and maximize productivity. Which solution—a micro-market or office pantry—is the best way to do that? Vista Vending has you covered. We customize Federal Way, Tacoma, and Seattle break rooms with both micro-markets and office pantry services. Each offers workplace benefits and can be tailored to different types of businesses and locations.
Here’s how the two vending services differ and how we can help you choose the one you need.
Micro-Markets: More Variety and Payment Options
A micro-market is a newer, open-concept solution in Seattle refreshment services. Unlike a vending machine, products aren’t in spirals or small rows. Wide coolers and shelves mean a nearly endless range of choices can be stocked in the Seattle micro-market. There’s room for food options, like salads, fruit, and freshly made sandwiches. Grab-and-go snacks, granola bars, yogurt, and treats paired with fresh food make the market a mini store right in your break room.
Self-checkout kiosks are a key part of any Tacoma micro-market. They accept cashless payments, so you can use a credit card or mobile wallet. This makes it easy and secure for staff to buy from the micro-market. Plus, remote technology lets us see inventory in real time, so we can best stock the market for your team.
Office Pantry Service: On-Site Company Kitchen
An office pantry offers free snacks to employees in your Tacoma break room. This can be bulk, dry products, like nuts and cereal, in sanitary dispensers. Other great Seattle office pantry items include single-serve drinks, such as sparkling water. Water coolers top the list, too, since it’s a hassle-free way for companies to offer free, great-tasting water to staff with a water filtration service. This can even support sustainability thanks to filling reusable mugs and cups.
The best part of office pantry service is that it can be customized, large or small, based on your needs, staff tastes, and budget. Any snack or drink from Vista Vending’s large selection can be part of the pantry service, including healthy items that support wellness goals. This makes your team feel valued and is a boost when hiring new employees.
How to Choose Between a Micro-Market or Office Pantry
Micro-markets are ideal if you want to offer the most variety to staff. The open layout and racks mean more items are available 24/7. They can handle a high volume of traffic from lots of employees while video cameras and anti-theft software keep them more secure than office pantries. Wireless monitoring ensures items are always stocked and ready for your team.
On the other hand, a custom office pantry is even more special to your staff. They feel valued and supported because their employer is paying for them to get free food, snacks, and drinks. Thus, making refreshments more affordable. That’s a big morale booster. It also creates a space for workers to meet and collaborate. The easy and convenient grab-and-go snacks or beverages draw employees to your Federal Way break room. They bond and enjoy a quick meal or drink. Thus, office pantries work better in small offices with fewer employees.
An office pantry can also be a powerful way to drive workplace wellness. Offering free healthy options makes it a no-brainer for staff to snack better at work. They are healthier and feel supported with their wellness goals.
Subsidized Micro-Markets: A Combination Solution
Want a hybrid of a market and office pantry? Consider subsidized micro-markets since they have similar benefits of an office pantry service, but with more variety. To do this, give your employees money each month in a micro-market account. Or offer products in the market priced at a discount. It’s a great way to show staff you care and reward them for their hard work.
Get a Micro-Market or Office Pantry in Your Break Room
While micro-markets and office pantries are different, they offer very similar benefits. Both will help employees be more productive and boost morale. Both are great hiring and retention strategies, especially since we tailor the services to your business. Or go for a combo.
In the end, you don’t need to decide which service on your own. Vista Vending can help choose the Tacoma micro-market or Seattle office pantry or Federal Way hybrid refreshment solution that works best for your business. Plus, we offer all the other break room services you might need, making us a one-stop shop. Reach out to Vista Vending today online or call us at 253.592.2843.
