Coffee Service

Virtual coffee machine app keeps at-home employees connected

Image courtesy of Powell Software.

January 27, 2021

As the U.S. lockdown continues, and many countries worldwide face severe restrictions on account of COVID-19, Powell Software, which creates digital solutions for the workplace, has launched its Virtual Coffee Machine, an application within Microsoft Teams to ensure employees stay better connected while working from home.

With employee well being at the top of the global workforce agenda for 2021, Powell's Virtual Coffee Machine app connects employees through virtual chats to maintain a culture of togetherness, even when apart, according to a press release.

Replacing the absence of the in-person coffee catch up, employers and HR can set up a Virtual Coffee Machine break within any Teams channel, encouraging employees to take regular short breaks while inspiring networking and socializing between colleagues.

Employers and HR can set up a Virtual Coffee Machine meeting within any Teams channel defining time, frequency and date, and number of people. The app then uses an algorithm that collects data from employees registered in Powell Teams, automatically comparing outlook calendars and generating meeting invites based on the criteria of the meeting. For example, if the Virtual Coffee Machine meeting criteria was set at a maximum of five people and ten people are available to join then two meeting invitations are sent.

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting convenience services, click here.