After Major Layoffs, Intel Brings Back Coffee & Tea Perks To Boost Employee Morale

Intel is set to reintroduce free coffee and tea for employees, reversing some of the benefit cuts made earlier this year during a company-wide cost-saving drive. Following a drop in its valuation, Intel had enacted various cost-cutting measures, including laying off about 15,000 employees in August and scaling back perks like internet, phone, and travel reimbursements.

Now, the chipmaker aims to restore small comforts to the office environment, starting with complimentary beverages, in an effort to lift employee morale. An internal memo indicates Intel’s acknowledgment of the role these perks play in day-to-day employee satisfaction. “While we continue to face cost challenges, we believe small gestures can make a difference in supporting our workplace culture,” the message read.

However, Intel has not yet committed to bringing back other perks, such as complimentary fruit, which was also popular among employees.