The 7 types of people you've already met at the coffee machine

The gossip: knows everything before everyone else

They’re already there before the first cup of coffee has even been poured. One eye on the machine, the other on what’s going on around them. For this person, the coffee break isn’t just a moment to unwind, it’s an endless source of information. Team changes, ongoing projects, office rumours… nothing escapes them.

• Always knows who’s in a meeting, working from home or running late
• Often has a story “that stays between us”, which gets repeated anyway
• Loves it when things buzz around the machine, because that’s where people talk and listen

They have a knack for spotting new faces, cross-checking information and building connections in their own way. With this person around, the workspace also becomes a lively place, where communication doesn’t only happen through emails or scheduled meetings.

The grumbler: never happy, always there

They spend all day complaining… but never miss a coffee break. The machine is too slow, the coffee too hot or not hot enough, the taste not what it used to be. And when a new solution is installed, it’s even worse: “yet another thing that’s going to break down”.

• Likes to remind you that “capsules are simpler, more efficient… and even greener”, according to a very serious study they read recently (commissioned by the big capsule machine brand itself😉)
• Sighs very loudly in the queue, just so everyone hears Regularly reminds everyone that “at their old company, they had free fresh fruit as well as coffee”

But behind the complaints, there’s real consistency. They’re always there, always loyal to their cup of coffee, always ready to grumble… and, in the end, always up for another one. Because deep down, this ritual is part of what keeps them balanced at the office.

The one in a rush: no time to say hello

They race across the workspace, grab a cup of coffee without looking up, and leave as quickly as they came. Coffee is a reflex, an automatic gesture. Fuel to knock back between two meetings, never a moment to share.

• Never spends more than 30 seconds at the machine
• Often says “no time” by way of a greeting
• Leaves before the milk foam has had time to settle

Their diary sets the pace, and the coffee break is just one more box to tick. For them, every second counts, and even the queue at the machine can become an irritation. But even so, this person keeps coming back… several times a day.

The never-quite-awake one: in standby mode all day

Blank stare, slow movements, no expression whatsoever. This person seems stuck somewhere between deep sleep and a vague Outlook calendar alert. Whether it’s 8:30 am or 3:45 pm, nothing helps: they always look like they’ve only just rolled out of bed.

• Waits until the queue is empty to avoid having to interact
• Can stand still for several minutes, mug in hand
• Might wake up… by the fourth sip, but no guarantees

This profile is easy to spot by the constant silence around them, like a hibernation bubble floating through the workspace. Coffee isn’t a pleasure, it’s an attempt to connect with the real world. And sometimes even that isn’t enough.

The addict: coffee as a way of life

They always have a mug in hand. You’ve never seen them without one. Coffee sets the rhythm of their day, like an invisible soundtrack. One coffee a day? Try five or six. Sometimes more.

• Knows exactly when the bean hopper gets refilled
• Rates every new delivery for intensity and aroma
• Can debate at length about the best time for a coffee: before or after the meeting? Both?

Their diary is dotted with coffee breaks the way other people’s are dotted with client meetings. Their desk? Less than five metres from the machine, of course. And if they disappear for a moment, you know exactly where to look.

The eco-warrior: a break, yes, but a sustainable one

Reusable cup, cloth napkin, fair-trade coffee. This colleague pays attention to every little thing, even for a simple coffee break. Nothing is trivial, everything counts. And they never miss a chance to kindly remind you.

• Discreetly points out that capsules don’t recycle well
• Shares links to organic Swiss coffees or low-carbon alternatives
• Happily volunteers to organise a coffee grounds collection

Not preachy, but committed. With them, the coffee break also becomes a moment to reflect on our habits. And it often inspires more than one colleague to change a few things.

The one who’s always up for it: the unofficial social director

Just thought about taking a break? They’re already there. First to suggest a coffee, last to turn one down. This profile loves informal moments, and the coffee machine is their favourite spot for building connections, letting off steam and starting a conversation that often drifts to a weekend in Zermatt or the “real” fondue recipe.

• Knows everyone’s first name, and even everyone’s favourite drink
• Starts impromptu team coffees between two tasks
• Turns a simple break into a team ritual

Thanks to this person, the break becomes a real breather in the day. They play a key role in team spirit and the office atmosphere, without anyone ever officially appointing them to the job.

Conclusion: the coffee machine, a living reflection of your company

There are those who talk loudly and those who don’t talk at all, the ultra-fast, the never-quite-awake, the passionate, the eco-converts. Around the office coffee machine, there’s a whole world. A diversity of rhythms, styles and needs. And it’s precisely this mosaic that makes a company rich. You meet colleagues there, you meet ideas, sometimes even a spark of inspiration. The coffee break is a moment out of time, where people connect differently. It’s a space for communication, informal but essential, where everyday bonds are formed. Sometimes that’s where projects are born. Other times, it’s just a smile. And that’s already a lot. So no, not everyone uses the coffee machine in the same way. And that’s a good thing. Because everyone brings their own special touch to office life. It’s up to us to create a setting that respects these differences while making these shared moments easier. A break that’s inclusive, simple, and worthy of who we are together.