Tea break is dying off as half of Brits admit they by no means have a brew at work
Catching up with a colleague over a cup of tea is Great British tradition, but there are fears it could be dying off, despite the huge role in supporting our mental health
A tea break can play a huge role in supporting our mental health(Image: Cover Images)
The Great British tea break is dying out with almost half of workers never chatting over a cuppa – and only leaving their desk to go to the loo.
More than a third barely leave their workspace during the working day, despite 76% saying breaks have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing at work.
The shocking shift in Britain’s work culture is revealed in a survey by mobile provider Three UK, which has teamed up with The Samaritans to encourage staff to reconnect with each other for the charity’s annual Brew Monday today.
It coincides with so-called Blue Monday, the third Monday in January which is said to be when long, dark nights, failed New Year’s resolutions and post-Christmas money worries see depression peak.
Three is urging bosses to join them and implement a “Tea Leave” initiative where employees are encouraged to take a 30 minute, no-questions-asked break.
The annual campaign from Samaritans seeks to flip the idea of “Blue Monday” on its head in a bid to encourage Brits to break open the biscuits and taboos by having a catch up over a cuppa, whether over the phone of in person.
Mental health advocate and ex-Love Island star Dr Alex George said: “I know first-hand how easy it is to let the day slip away from you when you’re at work, but making time away from your desk can play a huge role in supporting our mental health.
“This Brew Monday, I’m teaming up with Three and Samaritans to launch their Tea Leave campaign – a 30-minute wellbeing break to reconnect with others.
“It’s a brilliant reminder that something as simple as a meaningful chat over a cuppa – whether by phone or face to face – and some fresh air can help us feel more connected and less alone.”
The “Tea Leave” initiative was created after new research found that 70% of British office workers believe stepping outside for a simple tea or coffee break can be the catalyst for the most meaningful conversations they have with their colleagues.
Almost three-quarters (73%) agree these moments of connection play a crucial role in supporting their mental wellbeing at work, more so than dedicated wellbeing spaces (61%) or team building days (55%).
As for what we do during our breaks, 44% plan to get outside more with a fifth using them to respond to texts from friends and family. Around 18% want to make a quick video call to those they love.
A spokesman from Samaritans said: “We don’t believe that there is any such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. We introduced Brew Monday as a way of encouraging people to check in with each other and remind everyone how good human connection feels.
“It’s often the smallest gestures that make a big difference – and Three’s ‘Tea Leave’ idea is testament to this.”
Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at VodafoneThree, added: “We know this time of year can be challenging for many people, especially 62% of us not seeing daylight during these months.
“Therefore, we’re championing more positive wellbeing in the workplace, as part of our support for Samaritans and Brew Monday.” For more information visit Three+ reward app.
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