An expert in workplace health says hairdressers are setting the right example for the UK in today’s shaky economy.
Hairdressers and beauty therapists have overtaken builders as the nation’s biggest tea breakers. The stereotype of builders being Britain’s biggest tea break lovers has been shattered, according to a new survey by snacks provider Nutri-Grain.
Research shows that 67% of hairdressers and beauty therapists make time for 3 tea breaks and a snack a day of up to 15 minutes each – an average time out of 45 minutes a day. There are approximately 120,000 hairdressers in the UK. Meanwhile most builders (35%) take 2 breaks a day of up to 15 minutes – only half an hour a day off the job. However the survey revealed 21% of the working population is not taking a break at all throughout the working day. Doctors and nurses only spend an average of up to 20 minutes a day on breaks while people who work in human resources are the nation’s worst tea breakers – with a shocking 44% of workers not taking one. They are followed closely by taxi and lorry drivers with 31% admitting to not taking a break from the road.
Professor Cary Cooper, workplace health expert from Lancaster University, says today’s culture of not taking breaks could not only be adversely affecting workers’ wellbeing 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 of 1,400 UK workers by Nutri-Grain also revealed on average 40% 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.”
Visit www.nutri-grain.co.uk to find out how you can enjoy your break time.
Notes to editors:
The research conducted by Nutri-Grain is a nationwide UK survey of 1400 workers, commissioned to find out the tea breaking habits across gender, age, city and industry. It was conducted on behalf of snacks provider Nutri-Grain by OpinionMatters/ Tickbox.net.
For further information, images and interviews please contact Louise Davies, Assistant Communications Manager, Kellogg’s Press Office, on 0161 869 2942 or e-mail louisej.davies@kellogg.com
About Professor Carey Cooper: Cary L. Cooper is a Director of Robertson Cooper Ltd and Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health, Lancaster University Management School and Pro Vice Chancellor (External Relations) at Lancaster University. He is the author of over 100 books (on occupational stress, women at work and industrial and organizational psychology), has written over 400 scholarly articles for academic journals, and is a frequent contributor to national newspapers, TV and radio.
About Nutri-Grain: Nutri-grain is one of the UK’s leading mid morning and afternoon snacking brands. Products in the range include Soft Bakes, Oat Baked bars, Elevenses and Soft Oaties.
Further research results: Women take more tea breaks than men (35% compared to 28) Most people gossip with colleagues on their breaks – 46%- People in Cardiff are the biggest gossipers – 60%- Londoners surf the net the most – 46%- Hairdressers are the worst gossipers – 100%, next were doctors and nurse – 70% and lawyers – 64% Lawyers are the most regimented when it comes to time – 100% take 6-10 mins Women get more annoyed at colleagues taking too many tea breaksOlder workers( 55+) are more relaxed about colleagues taking tea breaks with 61% saying they are not botheredPeople from Southampton, Plymouth and Newcastle are the least sympathetic towards tea breaking colleaguesProfessional drivers are the most relaxed – 77% not bothered by colleagues taking breaks – yet they take the leastLawyers are the least sympathetic – 50% get annoyed sometimes and 36% are annoyed all the time! 53% say breaks help them concentrate throughout the dayYounger people benefit most (16-24) with 70% saying breaks help them concentrate 75% of people don’t feel guilty about taking tea breaksMen feel less guilty than womenOlder people (55+) are the most militant with 87% refusing to feel guilty about tea breaks80% of the 45-54 age group also refuse to feel guilty 48% of people drink tea on their breaksMen drink more coffee on their breaks than womenGlaswegians and people from Southampton are the biggest coffee drinkersOn average Londoners drink more tea than Northerners.
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Nutri-Grain snacking research