
The study of 2,000 workers found that 44 per cent are too busy to take tea breaks, a quarter feel they aren’t allowed them and one in five said they didn’t take tea breaks in case their bosses think they’re slacking.
Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James said this was an indicator of modern work pressures. “Whereas in the past taking a tea break was seen as a valuable social activity in the office, it’s now beginning to be seen as an unnecessary indulgence and waste of productive work time,” she said. “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,” Langcaster-James added. Tetley’s study recorded 44 per cent of workers saying they felt re-energised after a tea break and a third feeling more productive. There are also the associated social benefits of chatting to colleagues. A fifth of those surveyed said they definitely take fewer tea breaks in a typical day than five years ago, but the desire for tea breaks still remained. The average worker has four cups a day – with those in advertising drinking the most. Unsurprisingly, Londoners rush the most and take the shortest tea breaks overall. So, if you’re going to make a concerted effort to up the office’s tea break quota, you’ll probably want a refresher on the appropriate etiquette when making tea.- The 50 most offensive ways to breach office etiquette
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(2) For black tea, pour the water as soon as it has boiled to deliver the best tea
(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 Image: Shutterstock By Rebecca Smith
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