Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Coffee etiquette in the office

90 replies

hattie43 · 13/05/2024 18:16

In our office of 3 up to sometimes 6 we have long asked for a decent coffee machine so far to no avail .

This means I'm finding it difficult to go and grab a coffee without asking everyone else , but making a variety of coffee, hot chocolate, tea with our kettle takes so bloomin long .
Same with when I want a Starbucks I feel obliged to ask everyone else .

What do you do where you are , get your own or offer a ' round ' to everyone else .

OP posts:
WitcheryDivine · 13/05/2024 18:23

We have similar and we do do a round but if there are a lot of people saying yes please someone usually volunteers to help carry etc. I would never do more than one “round” a day though, because if other people want drinks they can make the next lot - I just say “your tea round X!” (We’ve all worked together for years)

It works fine as long as no one is a cheeky bugger.

Original poster
hattie43 · 13/05/2024 18:23

toomuchfaff · 13/05/2024 18:20

If I'm purchasing a coffee (either at canteen or coffee shop) it's not routine for me to ask others what they want. Unless I'm stood with them in the queue or its an attendee at a session I'm hosting. I'd simply mention, "nipping to Starbucks for a coffee" leave ot there, if anyone wants anything they can ask but that's on the proviso they give you money for their item.

That's the thing , if I get a Starbucks and offer others it's expected I'll pay as a treat , the others may offer round a pkt of biscuits but multiple coffees is expensive .

OP posts:
Whatineed · 13/05/2024 18:22

We all make our own coffee (granted we have a machine) but normally stand up and ask if anyone is joining for a coffee, and have a quick 5-10 minute chat as we wait. It breaks up the day and means we have time to show an interest in each other, work or otherwise. Would this be a option op?

Although it depends on how many coffees you consume I suppose. 😅 Those heavy coffee drinkers normally grab an extra one or ten by themselves for their desk.

Talipesmum · 13/05/2024 18:22

I know from places like this that coffee rounds are a really common thing, but I’ve never worked anywhere that does this. We just go and get a cup of tea or coffee for ourselves when we want one. If we are planning on a short brain break with the coffee we might ask if anyone else wanted to come along and get one too, but we’d each make our own.

I’ve always worked in larger offices though. Really can’t imagine having joint teas / coffees all day.

Muffin101 · 13/05/2024 18:22

Oh gosh I hate bloody tea run politics 😂 my old workplace was great, everyone did their own (unless it was for your mate/someone on the same break or whatever) but then I went to somewhere I can only describe as tea run hell. There were 20+ in the office and we had to make tea/coffee/whatever for everyone. People used to write post its to remember or use notes on their phone ffs it was ridiculous.

Macbeff · 13/05/2024 18:22

Get a fancy water bottle, one that holds cold drinks and hot drinks. Say you’re just going to fill your “water” bottle. Full bottle with coffee. Return to desk and pretend it’s coffee.

Take a similar approach with Starbucks - go at lunchtime or before work, pour in the “water” bottle.

PinotDragon · 13/05/2024 18:22

What about a cafetiere and mini milk frother? Or a cheap pod one. Ask all to chip in, problem solved.

mynewusername2023 · 13/05/2024 18:21

I used to get asked to make coffee for up to 10 people as they had a rota. I didn't drink coffee so no-one ever made me a drink and I thought it was unfair.

As such I made very bad tea and coffee after two rounds of bad brews, they changed it so that everyone made their own!!

Itsonlymashadow · 13/05/2024 18:20

We get our own.

We have one of those taps that have boiling water.

sunlightdancing · 13/05/2024 18:20

I work in a similar sized office and we all just get our own. It’s hard to break out of it though once you’ve got into the habit of doing “rounds”.

toomuchfaff · 13/05/2024 18:20

If I'm purchasing a coffee (either at canteen or coffee shop) it's not routine for me to ask others what they want. Unless I'm stood with them in the queue or its an attendee at a session I'm hosting. I'd simply mention, "nipping to Starbucks for a coffee" leave ot there, if anyone wants anything they can ask but that's on the proviso they give you money for their item.

SonicTheHodgeheg · 13/05/2024 18:20

Do other people make/pick up hot drinks for you? I don’t mind making a round as long as the other people reciprocate.

Goldenboysmum · 13/05/2024 18:20

We just get our own. I couldn't be bothered with trying to remember who wants milk/sugar etc

Although we have a hot water machine, so no waiting on the kettle to boil 😀

NotJohnMajor · 13/05/2024 18:19

We get our own - we have a boiling water tap in the kitchenette; much quicker than a kettle - would your employers consider installing one?

ShillyShallySherbet · 13/05/2024 18:18

With that few people in the office I’d have to ask everyone but if nobody reciprocated then I’d stop asking and just make my own.