Workers looking to get on in the workplace would be advised to get involved in the tea round, according to new research.
A survey by office supplies firm Viking found a direct link between promotion and making drinks for their work colleagues.
Some 41% of workers said they thought they made their fair share of tea and coffee in the office.
However more than half of the 1,600 workers polled said they were put off making drinks for their colleagues because they were too fussy.
Sophie Christopher, from Viking, said: “Asking ‘how do you like it’ has never been more complicated because office workers are increasingly likely to specify their choice of tea and preferred infusion time or specify the precise amount of milk needed to create their perfect cuppa.
“Viking’s research has found there is a direct correlation between making lots of hot drinks for colleagues and getting promoted at work. It is mainly because being prepared to make the tea or coffee demonstrates qualities such as attentiveness, humility and proactivity which many employers welcome.”
Copyright © Press Association 2011
Do you have a tea round in your practice? Does it create any issues? Your comments (terms and conditions apply):
“We have a list of preferences on the reverse of the cupboard door so everyone can make tea/coffee as colleagues like it. It is a great hit especially with new starters. And yes I do know who does and does not make tea and it speaks to how they regard their colleagues and how good a team player they are. Just like I know who does and does not wash up behind themselves!” – Name and address withheld
“I started out making the tea in a newsroom in order to get my foot in the door and impress. It definitely worked as I became the News Ed there and went on to work for ITN and other national media. Don’t underestimate the power of tea-making!” – Jennie Ludford, Rome
