Bring Back The Tea Break: Brits 'Too Busy' for a Brew

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Just a third of UK office workers manage to take a proper tea break away from their desks, according to new research.

A study of 2,000 British workers examined the nation’s approach to tea consumption and found that 44 per cent of those studied are too busy to take proper time out and a quarter feel they aren’t allowed tea breaks.

The research, commissioned by Tetley, revealed that the tea break tradition is being overlooked amidst today’s office pressures, with 20 per cent of respondents taking fewer tea breaks in a typical day than they did five years ago.

While a fifth fears they can’t take a tea break in case their bosses think they are slacking.

Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James commented yesterday: “Fewer tea breaks reflect the increasing pressure people feel they are under at work. Whereas in the past taking a tea break was seen as a valuable social activity in the office, it is now beginning to be seen as an unnecessary indulgence and waste of productive work time.

“Yet research has indicated time and time again that striking a balance by taking short breaks during the working day increases people’s productivity and creativity. This study shows that 44% of workers feel re-energised after a tea break, and 33% feel more productive.

“The social aspect of the workplace tea break also serves to strengthen bonds between co-workers and increase feelings of well-being.

"British businesses need to take heed because this reduction in tea breaks could lead to a decline in harmonious workplace relations, employee satisfaction and an increase in stress related absenteeism and turnover.”

When it comes to the politics of the workplace tea round, one in four workers try to dodge tea rounds, with those in marketing the biggest culprits.

Meanwhile four in ten British bosses NEVER make a tea round for their staff.

Men are more likely to secretly make themselves a brew to avoid having to make a round for their colleagues. 30 per cent of men said they’d resorted to this tactic, while only 20 per cent of women had.

Other sneaky tactics involve offering a tea round when you know everyone else has just had one - 12% of those studied admitted to having done this.

And while stopping for a break is rare, the average office worker does still consume at least four cuppas a day, according to the research.

Those who work in advertising roles drink the most tea day to day, while people doing administration roles have the fewest cups at work.

Those working in building management or maintenance are the best at offering to make co-workers a drink, but people in advertising are more likely to go it alone.

IT workers are the least fussy about their brew, but those in creative roles are very particular when it comes to others getting their drink right. 13% of workers studied admitted to having passed up a tea round because they know that the person offering doesn’t make a nice brew.

The study also showed that those working in HR take the most tea breaks, taking at least two a day, while those in administration take the least – 73 per cent said they don’t stop for a tea break.

When it comes to the length of tea breaks, 11.09am is the average time taken. Those in maintenance roles take the longest breaks at 12 minutes while marketing are in the biggest rush taking less than eight minutes.

Office workers in the West Midlands drink the most tea daily (4.27 cups) but the Scottish are most particular when it comes to getting a brew just right.

Londoners rush the most and take the shortest tea breaks, but East Anglians are the worst for taking breaks full stop, with 76% not taking one at all.

In response to the research findings, Tetley is calling on 500 British businesses to help ‘Bring Back The Tea Break.’ A number have already pledged their support, including Virgin Media and tea round favourites Russell Hobbs and Mr Kipling.

Yesterday Alex Snowden, Senior Brand Manager at Tetley, said: "The power of a quality cup of tea has long been a source of rejuvenation for Britain’s workforce and the tea break is an integral part of many a workplace. However, our research has shown that for many, the chance to have a tea break away from the desk is quite rare.

“Taking time out to properly break from work and recharge is important and can have a beneficial effect for businesses and employees alike. Our study indicated that workers who take a tea break may be more likely to get promoted down the line than those who don’t: 37% of those who take tea breaks had been promoted in the past year, compared to just 26% of those who don’t take breaks.  Regular tea breaks may also lead to a calmer workforce, with 73% of those who take tea breaks saying they felt calm at work, compared to just 66% of those who don’t.

“Employers want calm productive staff – and employees want a promotion! So we’re calling on British businesses to sign up to our campaign - and stick the kettle on!”

Businesses are invited to sign up and help ‘Bring Back The Tea Break’ at tetley.co.uk.

Office Politics: Sorting the Tea Makers from the Tea Takers 

MAKES THE LEAST TEA ROUNDS: Marketing workers

MAKES THE MOST TEA ROUNDS: Building managers / maintenance workers

ONLY MAKE TEA FOR THEMSELVES: Advertising workers

DRINK THE LEAST TEA: Administration workers

DRINK THE MOST TEA: Advertising

MOST FUSSY DRINKERS: Creative workers

LEAST FUSSY DRINKERS: IT workers

TAKE THE MOST BREAKS: HR workers

TAKE THE LEAST BREAKS: Administration workers

TAKE THE LONGEST BREAK: Maintenance workers

TAKE THE SHORTEST BREAKS: Marketing workers

Top Tips For The Tea Break From Honey Langcaster-James

1. Leave your desk for your tea break - sipping a cuppa while ploughing through work does not count as a break!  Move away from your work and take the time to enjoy your brew, doing nothing more than perhaps having a non work-related chat with a colleague. This way you’ll feel properly refreshed when you return to your work tasks.
2. No matter how busy you are, make the time for a tea break. Research indicates that taking a break may actually boost your productivity – and the busier you are, the more you need to take a break!
3. A friendly, convivial atmosphere at work is very important for our wellbeing. Making time to take a break with colleagues can help keep relationships positive and strong. Little things count when it comes to office relations: note the attitude with which you deliver your colleague’s cuppa when you are the Tea Maker. The spirit with which it is given has a huge impact. Don’t just hand out the mugs in a perfunctory manner. Deliver them with a smile.
4. Strike a balance between being a Tea Maker and a Tea Taker. If a colleague made the last cuppa then ensure you enthusiastically offer to make the next round, otherwise you may be seen as not pulling your weight.
5. Managers – work on creating a sociable Tea Break culture by showing that you support your staff in taking regular breaks. The easiest way to do this is to simply put the kettle on and offer to make everyone a brew!
6. Some of the most harmonious and jovial offices have developed their own Tea Break traditions. For example, having a Fun Friday where at afternoon tea break someone brings in a short quiz or activity. Little injections of frivolity like this help to create a positive working environment.

Advice For The Perfect Tea Round From Tetley's Master Blender Sebastian Michaelis

1. Tea should be made with boiling water, and only once-boiled water with a low mineral content.
2. For black tea, pour the water as soon as it’s boiled to deliver the best taste.
3. For green tea, allow the kettle to cool for up to two minutes to avoid a bitter taste.
4. For tea bags, add the milk after the water to avoid hindering the infusion process.
5. Leave the tea bag in for at least two minutes to let the flavour of the tea infuse.
6. After removing the tea bag, leave the brew to cool for two minutes for a better quality taste.

Bring Back The Tea Break Brits ‘Too Busy’ for a Brew

ENDS