Tea round dying out in British offices, new survey claims

Portrait of a young business executive drinking coffee while looking at the computer

The research, released by the Royal Voluntary Service charity, identified the death of the communal cuppa comes despite Britons downing an average of five cups of tea or coffee a day at work, with 44 per cent consuming five or more cups in a working day.

And the findings indicate that the demise of the tea round may stem from the top with 40 per cent of workers claim their boss never makes them a cuppa.

A third (34 per cent) of workers admit they would rather just make themselves a drink and get back to work and many are resorting to underhand tactics to do just that.

Common excuses deployed to get out of the tea round include waiting until people aren’t around, offering when people have just made themselves a drink and making rubbish teas and coffees so they are not asked again.

Felicity Kendal, Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador, said: “Time out for a cup of tea and quick chat is hugely important, especially in today’s ‘head down’ fast paced culture.

“It might be the time someone opens up about something that’s been bothering them or maybe you’ll get to hear about that great job that’s coming up.

“We all need to take a break to keep our minds focused and it’s so important that we maintain a connection with our colleagues. I’m supporting Great Brew Break to help raise vital funds for older people’s services and to help bring people back together.”

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