The Importance of Continuous Learning and Team Connection: Wellness Morning Recap

At our company, we believe that continuous learning and team connection are crucial for both personal and professional growth. This month, our wellness morning focused on fostering these values through a unique and engaging experience: a coffee cupping session.

In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead requires a commitment to ongoing education. Continuous learning enables us to adapt to new challenges, improve our skills and be innovative. This month, we took a hands-on approach to learning by exploring the art and science of coffee cupping. What is Coffee Cupping you may ask? Coffee cupping is a method used by coffee professionals to evaluate the quality and flavour profiles of different coffee beans. It involves a systematic tasting process to assess the aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste of brewed coffee.

Exploring Coaltown’s Coffee

Our session featured a selection of Coaltown Coffee’s finest beans, known for their exceptional quality and rich flavours. We explored various origins, from the fruity and vibrant notes of Ethiopian coffee to the bold and chocolaty flavours of beans from Brazil. Each coffee had a unique story, reflecting Coaltown’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices.

Here’s a brief rundown of the cupping procedure:

1. Picking the Coffee: As a team, we chose four coffees to use in our cupping, Anthracite, Good Vibes, Candle Light and one of our single origins Chelbelsa.

2. Preparation: We started with 2x12 grams of freshly roasted beans per coffee. We then ground all beans to a consistent size to ensure even extraction. Each sample was carefully measured and placed into cupping bowls.

3. Aroma Evaluation: Hot water was poured over the grounds, and we took in the initial aromas, noting the fragrance of each coffee variety.

4. Breaking the Crust: After four minutes, we broke the crust that forms on top of the coffee, releasing more aromas. This step allowed us to get a deeper sense of each coffee’s characteristics.

5. Tasting: Four minutes later using special cupping spoons, we slurped the coffee to spread it evenly over our taste buds, evaluating the flavours, acidity, body, and aftertaste.

Connecting as a Team

Beyond the educational aspect, our coffee cupping session was a fantastic opportunity for team building. Sharing this experience allowed us to connect on a personal level, through coffee!

Here’s how the session helped us bond:

- Shared Experience: Learning something new or refreshing knowledge together, created a shared experience and strengthened our team dynamics. We discovered different flavour notes and discussed our preferences, which led to lively conversations and laughter from the slurping.

- Collaboration: The cupping process required us to work together, from preparing the coffee samples to evaluating the aromas and flavours. This collaboration mirrored our daily work environment, emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals.

- Relaxation and Fun: Stepping away from our usual routines to enjoy a fun and relaxing activity, is what our wellness mornings are all about.

This month’s wellness morning was a perfect blend of learning and connection. By engaging in the coffee cupping process, we not only expanded our knowledge but also strengthened our team bonds. As we move forward, we’ll continue to prioritise continuous learning and team connection, knowing that these values are essential for our collective success and well-being.