Touchless lattes and self-service kiosks: office break rooms go virus-proof in the US

Ericsson’s cafeteria, with social distancing signage to prevent the spread of Covid-19, at its office in West Gate Business Park in Bucharest, Romania, in July 30. — Genesis Property/Handout via Reuters

Out with grimy microwaves and sticky coffee machines with worn-out buttons, in with stylus pens, QR codes, no-touch water coolers and mobile apps that pick what brew the machine will make for you.

From the headquarters of Ford in Dearborn, Michigan and Goldman Sachs in New York to Fedex facilities across the United States, workers are returning after months of lockdowns to the new reality of social distancing, hybrid remote and office work schedules, and strict hygiene protocols.