What is a micro market and how does it work?

All the best things come in small packages, and the idea behind micro-markets is firmly rooted in this concept. They are a fantastic benefit for a workforce that can change the atmosphere of a business and boost the mood of everyone within it. Looking like a shop but offering self-service food and drink options, these incredible innovations are a must-have for any break room or recreation space to keep staff healthy, happy and harmonious.

What is a micro-market?

Micro-markets are a method of providing food, snacks and drinks for employees over and above the offerings of standard vending machines which can seem outdated. It is essentially an unmanned convenience store that provides self-serve fresh food and drink 24 hours a day. They have the option to provide hot refreshments as well as healthy food to keep everyone happy and well nourished.

These amazing micro-markets can be customised for each space, making them easy to fit into your workplace. They can often be branded to maintain your corporate image and include a variety of colours and styles. They come with different modules that include ones for coffee, chillers and retail as well as many more, allowing you to pick what you want. This means it can be designed to accommodate a variety of requirements for your employees and the space available.

The micro-market units can be kept secure through the use of video surveillance, digital locks and digital shelves to help protect against theft and misuse. A micro-market also has a much greater capacity than vending machines but does not need the staffing of a shop or canteen making them more cost-effective. These systems can provide a broader range of choice for employees particularly those who have specific dietary needs such as allergies, vegan requirements or gluten intolerances.

The ability to provide fresh food allows you to offer staff healthier choices than the processed foods that they may be used to from vending machines. All staff need to do is choose their goods, scan them and pay with their card or phone. The technology behind the system will keep stock levels updated and make the process as quick and easy as possible in order to minimise any waiting time, allowing staff to maximise their break time.

The benefits of a micro-market

When it comes to productivity, staff energy and concentration are key. These two things come largely from a balanced diet and avoiding highly processed or sugary foods. Micro-markets make it possible to provide foods that cater to this, and so can benefit the business as a whole, by boosting efficiency.

By playing your part in keeping your staff healthy, you can also contribute to reducing absences. This is not just as a result of physical health, but also mental health, as wellbeing, mood and social relationships can all experience a boost from the improved and varied diet and the enhanced social contact.

As an employer, taking care of your workforce is of paramount importance, and word soon gets around. This will soon boost your business reputation, and if you are a client-facing company, customers can also enjoy the facilities and see for themselves that you are part of a progressive entity.

Adding a micro-market to your business is a modern way of providing for your staff. It helps to make them feel valued and make your premises seem like somewhere people actually want to work. A micro-market can nourish the body of your employee and the soul of your business and will make you stand out impressively in a competitive employer’s market.