Does Your Job Suck? Try A Cup Of Tea
- Posted by glen on November 27th, 2006
As I sit by the window working this afternoon, I can’t help but notice how perfect it is working inside of a cozy office while outside it’s cold, dark and rainy. There could only be one thing that could possibly make this working day more enjoyable: a hot cup of tea. So, as I get up to make myself a cup I start thinking about other cultures who embrace the m
id-afternoon tea, and how their work lives are considerably more manageable.
Tea always reminds me of proper English culture. Everyday around 3 o’clock afternoon tea would be served. This is a social event, and usually consists of other foods like scones, sandwiches and pastries. Now, I’m not going to pretend to know much about British culture, but I do know that there was a time when the afternoon tea was a routine. (I’ve heard it’s not as much anymore, and tends to be more of a special occasion.)
Taking this a bit further, in many cultures at that same time it’s customary to take a siesta. A siesta is a designated nap time, ranging from 20 minutes to a couple hours, depending on the country. It’s origins were to allow the workers to have a break and spend time with friends and family, and not necessarily for sleeping. It was a way to break up the day. And don’t even think about messing with this sacred time; it’s even a constitutional right in China. Wow.
So what’s the equivalent of this tea time or siesta in America? I can’t think of one either. Why? I’d say it’s because we are such a results-driven society. We work from 8-5 (give or take a few hours) with breaks consisting of water coolers, lunches, and playing around the web when the boss isn’t looking. Hrm. We already know that office workers aren’t that productive anyway, so why not change the work model around and see what happens?
While you can’t necessarily work much on your to-do list while taking a nap or chatting with friends and family, you’re gaining great relational skills. Isn’t this crucial with businesses as well? I know companies love hiring people with communication backgrounds for this very reason. Plus, you’re actually getting up from your environment to something else. Sleep is always good for you, and when it all comes down to it people matter more than money.
I’ve found that if I take a break in the mid-afternoon, (or at least switch tasks), I’m much more refreshed and productive in the afternoon. Oh yeah, and I don’t have my job. I’d argue that this siesta-style workday is far more productive than the traditional 8-5 day. What do you think? Maybe you should brew a cup o’ tea while you mull it over.
November 28th, 2006 at 8:22 am
I would say that Tea-time is still very important in the UK, my Dad and I still sit down at 5pm with a nice cuppa on a Sunday - minus the Cucumber sandwiches though!
I find even a 5 minute break whilst waiting for the kettle to boil can get the old creative “juices” flowing again if I’ve been stuck in a rut.
Although being a programmer I tend to drink coffee at work ;)
November 28th, 2006 at 10:07 am
That’s great! I find something very comforting about a hot drink like coffee or tea. Maybe this influx of good feeling is what helps stimulate productivity or creativity for me.
Thanks for the insights from the UK Katy!
November 28th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
WOW! Believe it or not, I am having a tea break in the middle of my work day and browsing the web while having this cup of tea. As India had adopted many cutlures from British life style before the Indian Independance, many people in India still do have these tea/coffee breaks, and take short power naps after the noon.
Especially the individual shop owners close their shops around 1:00pm to 3:30pm and have lunch with family, then take some power-nap, then get a cup of tea and then join the shop after you get refreshed. Many office professionals also get-together during common time and have arnd 15-30 mins tea break with some fun time and chatting.
Now me working in USA, still follows the tea break practice but misses that chatting and hanging around with colleagues part ;)
But in all, good post to take a break and restart with full energy!
Best,
Aditya
November 30th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
My team has a little ritual where a few times every day we all get up, grab teabags (we’re in the UK) and go off as a group to get hot water. It’s a nice social event, everyone gets to share their issues/problems/questions and we all get the relaxing value of the tea too! Wish we had scones though… ;-)
December 1st, 2006 at 11:23 am
Aditya,
Glad to see you’re still hanging on to your roots. Don’t rely on American culture for relaxtion ;)
Meri,
Great example. I knew I read somewhere that herbal teas had soothing qualities.
I had no idea I had so many readers in the UK.. :)
December 4th, 2006 at 9:46 am
Well, I’m South African, but just living in the UK makes you sit up and pay attention whenever anyone mentions tea!! At home we drink rooibos (aka “redbush” which is a very bad direct translation) which is a caffeine-free, anti-oxidant-rich alternative to traditional tea. Lovely if you make it strong with condensed milk!
December 7th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
The first policy I instituted upon going freelance and setting up a home office was a required daily afternoon nap. It does wonders for the soul AND my productivity for the afternoon. Just 20 minutes and I’m good to go!
December 9th, 2006 at 12:54 am
Who says mandatory naps are only for Pre-Schoolers?
:)
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