It’s true: more Canadians have recently returned to the office and more are set to do so over the course of the year.

In fact, a recent Cisco survey reported by Benefits Canada found that 76 per cent of Canadian employers are mandating a partial or full return to the office.

As a result, this shift is pushing companies to rethink what the workplace offers when employees come in – from collaborative spaces to the everyday rituals, like coffee breaks, that shape the in-office experience.

It turns out, when in person, employees want to use that time for collaborative and interactive work rather than tasks than can be completed individually. A 2025 survey, also conducted by Cisco, found that 92 per cent of Canadian employees want to use in-person time for team-based work.

Increasingly, the workplace is being designed less as a place for heads-down productivity and more as a setting that encourages social connection and the informal exchanges that are harder to replicate remotely.

It’s a shift that companies like Nespresso Professional are observing closely, working with organizations to design everyday workplace moments – such as thoughtfully curated coffee breaks – that help make time in the office feel more meaningful and engaging.

That shift is something Ashley Warboys has seen firsthand at Teknion, an international manufacturer of furniture and architectural solutions. “Because we believe the workplace plays an important role in supporting collaboration, mentorship and wellbeing, our teams work in the office four days a week,” says Warboys, the company’s manager of insight and inspiration. “Being together allows ideas to flow more naturally and helps strengthen the relationships that shape a strong workplace culture.” She says that the conversation has moved beyond simply providing space to thinking more intentionally about how the workplace affects team dynamics.

“When environments support different work styles and offer thoughtful amenities, people are naturally drawn back because the space adds value to their day,” she says. That approach is reflected in Teknion’s Toronto Collaboration Hub, which includes lounge areas, quieter zones for focus and a café.

A 2026 Sodexo Canada survey conducted with Leger found that 84 per cent of Canadian respondents say their employer supports their health and happiness through workplace design, services or culture. In practice, that can mean everything from on-site fitness spaces and childcare to catered lunches and better communal amenities.

But unlike perks that may be used occasionally or by only part of the workforce, a café or high‑quality coffee setup can make a difference to the daily experience of almost everyone who comes in. By consistently delivering high‑quality coffee, Nespresso Professional helps make these moments part of the modern workplace experience. Coffee can act as a natural point of convergence, drawing people into shared spaces and helping create the kinds of spontaneous encounters that make office life more engaging.

“Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside formal meetings: over coffee, during lunch or in shared lounge spaces,” Warboys says. “Our café encourages employees to step away from their desks and connect with colleagues more informally. These moments often spark new ideas, strengthen relationships across teams and contribute to a culture that supports collaboration and creativity.”

Warboys says Teknion’s use of Nespresso Professional helps shape the daily rhythm of the office by making one of its most active shared spaces run smoothly. “Nespresso Professional brings a level of consistency and quality that allows the space to operate effortlessly, reinforcing the café as a place of everyday ritual,” she says. “Their reliability and intuitive user experience make them a natural fit.”

The same space also plays a role beyond the day-to-day office experience. Teknion regularly welcomes clients, designers and prospective talent into its Toronto hub, and Warboys says the café often shapes how those visitors experience the workplace. “Clients often remark on its energy during tours, leaving with a renewed perspective on café environments as essential infrastructure for workplace culture,” she says.

As organizations focus on making in-person time worthwhile, the most effective workplaces are the ones that make the day feel meaningful. And many employers working with Nespresso Professional see these everyday rituals as part of the infrastructure that supports connection at work.

For employees returning to shared spaces, what matters is not simply where they work, but what the workplace adds to their day. And, as Warboys points out, “Cafés are becoming social anchors where employees recharge and connect.”