Are there ever any greater words spoken in the office than: “Anyone for tea?” Whether you’re just starting your day or trying to battle through an afternoon that just won’t seem to end, the appearance of a hot mug of tea can be exactly what you need to survive the rest of the day. Yet a recent report from the Royal Voluntary Service has found that nearly one in 10 people say they don’t have time to do the tea run any more, and worse, one in three say they’d rather make themselves a cup and get back to work.
But where would the office be without the staple that is a good cuppa? With the few sneaky colleagues that try to duck out of making a round, either by waiting until everyone has popped out for lunch, or by running to the loo when everyone looks round expectantly, it’s time to refocus on why the good old tea break is such a necessity.
Thirsty colleagues make for tense times for everyone involved. You know the person who is the only one who can get the printer working? Try asking them for help without plonking down a steaming mug with milk and two sugars. It’s much easier to beg a favour or ask them to cover a shift if you’re plying them with tea.
If you’re looking to get in with your boss, there’s only one word that needs to be said: “tea”. Some people may dread being known as the “tea runner” of the office, but people underestimate the power that being in control of your boss’s caffeine fix can have. If you’re the smiling face holding their cup of respite, who do you think they’re going to think of for those exciting projects?
If you’re looking to revive the tea run, here’s what you need to know: the best times to offer tea are just after you arrive in the morning. Morning tea sets everyone up for the rest of the day. Then offer again around half an hour after lunch. Make sure you learn everyone’s orders off by heart; we all know someone who will throw a wobbly if you don’t get the right amount of soy milk, or if you forget to let the tea bag brew for precisely two minutes 10 seconds before adding a dash of whole milk. Extra points for having your boss’s tea on their desk 20 seconds before they walk through the door.
It’s time to dust off the kettle, get in the milk and be a tea-m player.
