Have you ever watched your employees when they are getting coffee in the morning, taking breaks, or having lunch? Unless they've been around awhile, they are probably searching through any cupboards and drawers in the area to see what the company has provided.

Does an employee have any right to expect you to provide condiments, coffee, etc.? No. Providing things for employees is a benefit offered by the company, not a right or entitlement of the employee. However, you might want to consider the advantages of providing basic kitchen supplies … even if you don't actually have a kitchen available.

Nearly every office space has some sort of wet bar or a full-blown kitchenette. I've seen a lot of them in every configuration possible. The first recommendation I need to make is to keep it clean. It's amazing how employees can ignore spills, open cupboard doors, and trash sitting around when it's not in their own home.

Accept this as a fact of life. Pay your cleaning people to scrub it down any time they are cleaning the offices. This isn't just for the benefit of the employees … keep in mind that you have guests walking through the building that can see this area. I don't care how much stuff you stock that area with, if it's filthy you'll have lost most of the value of providing it.

So, what do you provide? The starter stock should include the following:

• Salt and pepper: Buy an actual salt and pepper shaker and the big cannisters to refill the shakers. Don't buy those individual packets because it's too easy for people to grab a handful to keep in their car, etc.
• Plastic forks, spoons, and knives: Buy big boxes of these and designate drawers to put them in.
• Paper dishes: You really only need paper plates. Anything else (like paper bowls) is catering to a specific employee's need, not a general need.
• Condiments: If you have a refrigerator you should consider catsup and mustard, maybe mayonnaise. Again, full bottles rather than individual packets.
• Trays: Pick up 2-3 large, inexpensive trays that can hold sandwiches, cookies, cakes, etc. when you either have a big meeting or party at work. Check places that provide catering supplies.
• Coffee: Provide a coffee maker of a size that works for the number of coffee drinkers you have. Consider using a decent brand of coffee so it's not a bad joke and you're not embarassed to offer it to guests. Personally, I hate the powdered creamer but it's easier to maintain than the dairy versions. Don't forget both real sugar and fake sugar.
• Napkins or paper towels: Paper towels are fine until you have guests and want to have things look a little nicer.
• Styrofoam cups: Although not eco-friendly, these at least are clean. If you don't have a dishwasher to ensure glass items are properly cleaned, the throwaway variety might be better.

Anything else you provide should be because you can afford to keep it in stock and you believe employees will be appreciative. Many companies also keep a locked cabinet filled with special supplies that are used strictly for guests or special meetings. The cabinet might include nicer dishes, doilies for the trays, napkins, sugar cubes, bottled water, sodas, etc. Anything you might want to "put on a show."

If you have a refrigerator that employees can use, make it clear that everything ends up in the trash on Friday night. This eliminates the mystery food left in the refrigerator or freezer. Don't allow exceptions or you'll lose control of the situation. I've seen refrigerators too full to add your lunch but with no one claiming ownership of anything in there.

As I said, providing these things aren't a requirement. However, your employees will enjoy having the basics available and may end up more productive because they're bringing their lunch rather than taking longer going out.