Hairdressers Overtake Builders as the Nation's Biggest Tea Breakers
| Published: 5th September 2008 12:04 |
Workplace health expert says hairdressers are setting the right example for the UK in today's shaky economy
Hairdressers have overtaken builders for taking the most tea breaks, but many workers do not have time to stop for a cuppa, according to new research published today.
A survey of 1,400 workers showed that two-thirds of hairdressers and beauty therapists made sure they had time for three tea breaks of up to 15 minutes every day.
Most builders had only two breaks for a drink, taking less than half an hour a day, said the report by snacks firm Nutri-Grain.
One in five workers said they never took a break for a cup of tea or a snack, especially those employed in human resources departments.
Professor Cary Cooper, workplace health expert from Lancaster University, says today's culture of not taking breaks could not only be adversely affecting workers' well being but also their productivity.
He added: "There is an inherent negativity attached to workers who take tea breaks in the modern working culture which is short sighted and could be undermining our productivity.
"The UK has one of the longest working hours in the developed world, and employees are working harder and more intensely given the global competitive pressures. In addition, the downturn in the economy means that people are feeling less job secure, which translates into working even longer hours and taking fewer breaks.
"As a consequence, individuals more than ever before need to take time out to have something to eat and drink away from their workplace during the working day."
The nationwide survey by Nutri-Grain also revealed on average 40pc of all workers get annoyed with colleagues who they feel take too many breaks - in particular lawyers and barristers who also feel the most guilt when taking a break.
Professor Cooper added: "Workers are getting annoyed with their co-workers because they would like to take breaks but feel too overloaded with work and pressure. The fact is they need to take a break.
"They are being foolish not to do so and shouldn't be critical of their colleagues who have the good sense and confidence to get some critical rest and recuperation which will ultimately make them more productive workers. In the end they will be judged on their output not their presenteeism."
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