Ok, picture this. You’re at the office, the clock reads 12:42, and you’re fired up like one of Jeff Bezos’ rockets. Is this due to an undying passion for your work, an enthusiasm that can’t be tamed? No, love. It’s coffee.
Specifically, it’s the three cups of lukewarm, extremely bitter, black-as-your-soul office koffie that you’ve already consumed that day. ☕️
What is it?
The phenomenon is quite simple. You arrive in the office, take off your many layers, set up your laptop, and one of your colleagues gives you that look: coffee? No arguments there. 🙅🏼♀️
You guys head to the office’s most beloved and abused member of the team — no, it’s not you — it’s the coffee machine.
A ’90s baby like you, this bad boy has been coughing out mediocre coffee for years now, the only thing that’s changed is its filter.
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And your office makes sure to keep it busy.
Once that first coffee is done, your boss will arrive and pull you for another one, and then, right after lunch, it’s time for another coffee to beat that post-food slump.
Then, it’s 4 PM, someone switches out that filter and another pot is ready to be consumed.
By the time you’re packing up to leave, you are READY to take on your evening, and that coffee machine has been put to good use.
Why do they do it?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps multiple coffee breaks stem from the Dutch approach to work.
With one of the best work-life balances in the world, it makes sense that the Dutch also make sure to take plenty of breaks whilst at the office too.
@steven_lannon Ya boy needs his coffee #workhumor #work #coffee #coffebreak ♬ original sound – steven_lannon
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What better way to excuse yourself from the desk than a good ol’ coffee break?
Who cares if it tastes like pure rocket fuel when it’s free (great for the korting counting Dutchie) and it gives you a reason to bitch about the weather with your colleagues. 🤪
Why is it quirky?
Listen, the concept of coffee is certainly not foreign to any office.
What makes it quirky, and quite Dutch, is the commitment to the coffee breaks — and to that one god-damned machine. 🙏🏼
Should you join in?
Absolutely. It’s a break from work, and it’s a key way to keep up with the office gossip. Forget the water cooler, it’s the coffee machine in the Netherlands.
@limehomeofficial I would never say never 🫡☕️ #workbestie #workbesties #officethings #coffeebreak #officelife #officefun #limehome #designedtostay ♬ GASLIGHT – INJI
If you’d rather dodge the coffee breath but still hang out by the popular machine, you can always find a mug that’s opaque enough to hide your betrayal beverage of choice. 😉
If you do opt for coffee, make sure to cap yourself once the jitters set in!
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!