What to know

  • Intel has decided to reintroduce free coffee and tea at its worksites to boost employee morale after previously cutting these perks during budget reductions.
  • The company eliminated these benefits last summer as part of a larger $10 billion cost-cutting initiative that included laying off 15,000 employees globally.
  • While free beverages return, other perks like complimentary fruits and reimbursements for internet, phone, and commuting costs remain suspended.

Intel is making a small but meaningful gesture to lift employee spirits by bringing back free coffee and tea to its workplace. As The Oregonian reports, Intel had previously suspended these perks during a major cost-cutting drive but now acknowledges that even minor comforts can significantly impact daily work life.

Last summer, Intel eliminated several employee benefits, including free beverages, as it worked to slash $10 billion from its annual budget.

In an internal message to employees, Intel recognized that while financial challenges persist, small perks play a crucial role in maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere. The company hopes this gesture will help support its workplace culture, even as it continues to navigate difficult economic conditions.

However, the reinstatement of free coffee comes against the backdrop of broader cost-cutting measures. Intel’s Chief People Officer, Christy Pambianchi, revealed that the company had been spending approximately $100 million annually on free and discounted food and beverages – an expense level that proved unsustainable in the current financial climate.

The move reflects Intel’s attempt to balance fiscal responsibility with employee satisfaction, though other benefits remain suspended. The company continues to implement its larger restructuring plan, which includes significant workforce reductions and the elimination of various other perks such as reimbursements for internet, phone, and commuting expenses.