Office Pantry Essentials
Considering the number of hours that we spend at work every day, it is safe to say that for many, the workplace has become a second home. And no home is complete without an effective (and fully-stocked) pantry. Besides refrigerators and water dispensers or coolers, what else should be in your office pantry?
Coffee machine Coffee is fuel for many office drones. There’s nothing like a fresh cuppa Joe to awaken our senses in the morning or power us through the day. There are various coffee machines to choose from, namely filter coffee machines, pod or capsule coffee machines, percolators, pump espresso makers and bean-to-cup machines. Be sure to include condiments nearby, such as sugar, creamer, sweeteners and fresh dairy. As for milk, remember to throw out expired cartons and replace with fresh ones. Microwave oven and microwaveable containers Whether you’re heating up convenience food or a homecooked meal, a microwave oven is essential in any pantry. Leftover food from meetings or events can also be heated up to eat later on to reduce wastage. Sink Instead of cleaning utensils and mugs in the washroom, employees should have easy access to a functional sink in the pantry. Remember to include dishwashing liquid and a sponge for cleaning, a strainer to prevent the sink from clogging, and a small drainer to store plates and other crockery. Non-perishable snacks To keep mid-morning and evening hunger pangs at bay, you can store a variety of non-perishable snack such as oatmeal cookies, chocolates, granola bars, biscuits and crackers. Besides keeping your employees happy and satisfied, such items are also ideal for important client meetings, especially those that are expected to go on for long. These munchies make perfect accompaniments to coffee, and have a relatively long shelf life. You can also include potato chips, raisins, nuts (e.g. almonds, pecans, macadamia and walnuts), sunflower seeds, fruit and energy bars, 3-in-1 Milo powder, tea sachets, and sweets or mints. Instant/ready-to-eat food Especially for employees who work till late, instant meals are a quick and easy alternative to ordering takeout. Keeping a variety of instant food stocked in the pantry will also come in handy during times of distress, such as when restaurants or food outlets abstain from delivery (i.e. during the recent haze situation in Singapore). Examples of such food are cup noodles, instant soup packs, instant oatmeal and microwave food, which are often inexpensive and long-lasting. Bottled water Every workplace should have bottled water stocked, which will certainly come in handy should the water dispenser or cooler stop working. (They can also be served to clients or guests) Disposable crockery and cutlery These are great for birthday parties and office celebrations, especially when digging into greasy or creamy food like cakes and pies – it saves the hassle of cleaning or scrubbing them! Include serviettes or tissue boxes too. Energy drinks Whether it’s Red Bull or Monster Energy, these drinks are perfect for long hours and can rejuvenate you, especially before an important meeting. Other suggestions: • Vending machine filled with canned/bottled drinks or snacks • Bread, peanut butter, jam, Nutella • Cereal or snack dispenser • Fresh fruit such as bananas, oranges and apples (just be sure to replenish regularly) • Air fryer (easy cooking without the fuss of pan-frying or added oil, what’s not to like?)
