People Encouraged to Spend Three Minutes Chatting with Colleagues
A new initiative urges workers to take three minutes to connect with colleagues for better mental health and workplace camaraderie
Brew Monday, Three, Samaritans, Mental Health, Workplace, UK
London: Did you know that almost half of workers rarely take a break to chat with their colleagues? A recent study found that many are missing out on valuable connections. The main reasons? Increased workloads, shifts in workplace culture, and the rise of hybrid work setups.
This January, Three has partnered with Samaritans to revive the Great British tea break. They’re encouraging everyone to ‘Take Three’ and reconnect on Brew Monday, which falls on January 20. The goal is to show that there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ and that we can enjoy a chat over a brew any day of the week.
In just three minutes—about the time it takes to brew a drink—you can check in with someone. A lot of people believe that a quick chat can really lift their spirits at work. It’s a simple way to make a difference.
Dr. Audrey Tang, a workplace psychologist, emphasizes the benefits of these little breaks. She says that taking a moment to connect can really boost your mood and reduce stress. With many wanting to bond more with coworkers, Brew Monday serves as a great reminder to support each other.
The survey by Three shows that workers feel more disconnected than ever. About 45% say they have fewer friends at work compared to five years ago. Interestingly, 62% want to connect more, and 59% think their work life would be better if they knew their colleagues better.
Aislinn O’Connor from Three UK and Ireland expressed excitement about working with Samaritans. She highlighted how important it is to check in with friends and colleagues. Plus, they’re offering a two-for-one deal on teas at Caffè Nero for Three+ customers, making it even easier to reconnect.
Sonya Trivedy from Samaritans added that anyone can have a tough day, and taking a moment to share a brew can really help. The decline of tea breaks means we’re losing those important moments of connection, so they hope Brew Monday will remind everyone to check in regularly.
For the ninth year, Samaritans is flipping ‘Blue Monday’ on its head with Brew Monday, encouraging Brits to reach out and chat. They want to remind us that feeling down isn’t just a Monday thing; it can happen any day. A simple gesture like checking in during a tea break can make a big difference.
Three+ members can enjoy a two-for-one offer on teas at Caffè Nero from January 20-26, 2025, through the Three+ rewards app.