15 Dec Three Reasons Why Millennials in Oklahoma City Are Needed in the Vending Industry
Did you know that the overall workforce is projected to consist of more than 50 percent of Millennials by 2020? With such a large number joining the working world, the vending industry needs to attract new talent especially since the vending industry has recently undergone substantial change. Now is the chance for Oklahoma City Millennials to change the vending space in their region and positively impact how customers view vending.
While there are many reasons to build a career in the vending industry, the following are three areas where new and innovative change continues to occur, thanks in part to Millennials shifting the overall point-of-view.
Healthy Snack, Beverage, and Food Choices
Whether grabbing a snack at work or picking up a meal at the grocery store, “healthy” is no longer a word reserved for an out-of-the-way store that sells seeds, nuts and strange grains. As Millennials joined the workforce, they sought out healthier options and created positive change for everyone else. They understood that healthy choices improved one’s overall well-being and mental health which led to an increase in morale and productivity in the workplace. And that sounds like a bonus for everyone.
Creating a New Breakroom Space
The bland, gray room with an old refrigerator and a sad-looking table hidden somewhere toward the back of a place of employment, or the breakroom, is a thing of the past. Breakrooms are becoming bright and welcoming spaces where Oklahoma City employees can grab a bite to eat or a cup of specialty coffee and enjoy a conversation with a colleague. Today’s breakroom includes the ultimate employee perks: the micro-market, Pantry Service, and the gourmet coffeehouse experience.
Micro-markets include glass-front coolers with racks and shelves holding freshly made, delicious, and nutrient rich foods that have been chosen to meet Oklahoma City’s employees’ needs and preferences. Available at any time of the day, micro-markets offer a pleasant shopping experience with self-checkout kiosks. Multiple payment options, and additional technologies that allows kiosks to operate online, and report sales and product status in real time work together to create a seamless process.
Pantry Service offers the ultimate employee perk. Employers provide their employees healthy and traditional beverages, snacks, and food throughout the workday at a reduced cost or no cost. The gourmet coffeehouse experience in an office breakroom creates a space that rivals any corner coffee house with specialty coffees and teas, and locally roasted or uniquely sourced beans. With a customized program, employees have a fewer reasons to leave the office to get a snack or caffeine boost.
New and Innovative Vending Machine Technology
As technology has changed in the rest of the world, it has also changed in the vending industry. Vending equipment now consists of state-of-the-art snack, beverage and food vending machines that are environmentally friendly with Energy Star ratings and LED lighting. The machines automatically communicate with vending providers to provide up-to-date sales information, determining an appropriate list of options (inventory control and customization). New technology also detects whether the purchased product has dropped, guaranteeing that customers either receive the product selected, or the vending machine automatically returns the customer’s money.
Whether a future Millennial employee works in marketing, operations, software or hardware development, or food and nutrition services, he or she will be able to offer a unique perspective on vending industry equipment, best practices, and food, snack, and beverage options. For information about upgrading your breakroom experience to reflect new and innovative changes in the vending industry, contact Hayes 405 Refreshments at 405-495-8667.