Nearly half of workers hardly ever share brews with their colleagues and are missing out on a chance to connect with others, according to new research. People say that increased workload, changes in workplace culture and the rise in hybrid working are the top three reasons behind the tea break’s decline.
This January, Three has teamed up with its charity partner Samaritans to bring back the Great British tea break, encouraging everyone to ‘Take Three’ and reconnect for the charity’s annual Brew Monday on January 20. The initiative aims to remind the nation that there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ and people can have a brew, chat and listen to one another any day.
Using the three minutes it takes to brew a drink, ‘Take Three’ invites the nation to check in and connect with someone, whether over the phone or in person – after three-quarters of respondents said that a quick chat with a friend or colleague can help to improve their mood at work.
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Workplace psychologist Dr Audrey Tang, said: “Using a micro-break to connect with someone during the day can bring a whole host of benefits. If you Take Three for a quick chat, whether that’s in person with a colleague, a video call with a friend, or sending an ‘I’m thinking of you’ message, it can have a positive effect on your mental health and well-being, and stress levels. As two thirds of the nation want to connect more with their colleagues, Brew Monday is a good reminder to listen and support one another.”
The survey, commissioned by Three, for Brew Monday, revealed that workers are feeling increasingly disconnected from their colleagues, with 45% saying they have fewer friends at work than they did five years ago. Overall, 62% expressed a desire to connect more with colleagues, with 59% believing their working life would be more enjoyable if they knew their coworkers better.
Aislinn O’Connor, Marketing Director at Three UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be working with Samaritans, to highlight the importance of connecting with friends, colleagues and loved ones this Brew Monday. Through our ‘Take Three’ initiative, we are empowering everyone to reclaim the tea break and check-in with others – whether that’s by phone or in person. Plus, as an extra special Three+ reward, our customers can enjoy two-for-one on teas at Caffè Nero – a perfect excuse to reconnect over a cuppa.”
Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement from Samaritans said: “People can struggle any day of the year and having someone take the time to have a brew and a chat can make a world of difference. The decline of the workplace tea break means these essential moments of human connection are being lost so we hope this Brew Monday, with the help of Three, people remember to take the time to check in with each other every day.”
For the ninth year on January 20, the Samaritans flips the idea of ‘Blue Monday’ on its head with Brew Monday, in a bid to encourage Brits to check in and chat with each other. The charity and Three want to remind people that feeling low isn’t just something that happens on Mondays or a random day in January. Checking in with a workmate, friend or family member during a tea break is a simple gesture that could help, any time.
Three+ members can take up ‘two-for one’ offer on teas at Caffè Nero, available via the Three+ rewards app from 20-26 January 2025.