The importance of the coffee break

The importance of coffee at work was confirmed by a study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, which demonstrates how the consumption of that drink during breaks allows employees to reduce stress levels while increasing good relations between colleagues.

During coffee breaks people gather in small groups, chat, exchange opinions and confide in each other.  All this, as well as strengthening good relations between individuals, allows them to replenish their energy levels and increase individual productivity.

The importance of coffee in making a good start to the day is also illustrated by the conversations which result from it:  when two people sit opposite each other to talk, both are able to gain insight into themselves and each other.

This practice generates a dialogue (in certain circumstances) which is able to do certain things such as increase the team’s motivation or actually avoid disputes within the company.  Furthermore, this also helps people to find out important information regarding colleagues, people from outside the company and the competition.

The importance of the coffee break at work is however only effective when a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere is created, characterised by important features such as open-mindedness, mutual helpfulness and honesty.

This will allow people to avoid arguments and any embarrassment which may be caused when two people are in conflict.  Every single dialogue during breaks at work must have a clear objective to be considered during the entire conversation.

Among possible objectives, we can include for example the desire to find out more about the other person:  about their ideas, rather than any problems which may have arisen between them and the other individuals; during a coffee break you can find out lots of important things.

Managers or professional employed in similar roles should always find time to share a few words with other colleagues, in order to better understand their various situations and specific circumstances, of which they would otherwise remain unaware.

Breaks at work therefore, have an undeniably important role, which cannot be underestimated, especially by those who are aiming for personal and professional growth (from the individual’s and the company’s point of view).

The advice for such individuals is then to organize and make the most of coffee breaks, in order to improve the atmosphere in the company and get to know the other people in the office better.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith