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Coffee and everything related to it has more of an influence than most Columbia, MD employees realize. In fact, it’s impact isn’t only related to the caffeine boost that comes from drinking the beverage.
Recent research in the Consciousness and Cognition journal found that exposure to coffee-related cues, without having actually consumed any coffee, can trigger a chemical-response pattern in the brain that increases “concrete, precise thinking and mental arousal, or attentiveness.” It’s sort of like Pavlov’s dogs, but in this case, individuals are exposed to non-chemical but coffee-related cues which then trigger a chemical-response pattern in the brain.
So what types of coffee-related cues in Columbia, MD office break rooms could cause this effect? The answer is almost anything such as colors, sounds and smells that can be observed. Let’s take a look at one of America’s favorite hot beverages and the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch), and see how each sense can impact alertness and attention.
Taste: While the concept of taste is often associated with the physical act of drinking, taste can can also play a role in a more abstract way. For many Columbia, MD employees, the “taste” of coffee is often the first thing that comes to mind when someone else mentions coffee.
Sight: Seeing a physical object such as an image of a mug, roasted beans or even an actual cup of coffee are just a few of the many different visual cues that can create a response.
Hearing: Understanding which sounds have the ability to trigger the chemical-response pattern is a bit more complicated as sound is unique for everyone. Several popular sounds include grinding beans, the brewer brewing and sounds that are associated with a favorite local cafe.
Smell: The sense of smell is similar to the sense of hearing in that everyone experiences it differently, but freshly brewed coffee, the smell of beans being ground or that favorite cafe tends to elicit almost the same reaction from everyone.
Touch: Experiencing the feel or size of a favorite mug, picking up the container that holds the ground beans, pressing the start button on the grinder or using an espresso machine or favorite French press are all ways to activate the brain via touch without ever drinking a single drop.
Whether it’s by itself or in combination with other senses, the human body takes in many different observations during the day. It’s time to increase the likelihood that more of your employees will benefit from the coffee effect and design your Columbia, MD office coffee service to engage all of the senses.
SunDun Office Refreshments can help customize a refreshment menu that includes the hot beverages your employees seek out as well as healthy snacks and cold beverages. A successful break room is more than just a place to grab a quick snack. It’s a welcoming and relaxing place that encourages employee creativity, collaboration and productivity.
To update your current break room menu or design a new break room space, contact SunDun Office Refreshments at 800.466.2731. We look forward to enjoying a cup of Joe or tea with you.