A new survey by Codex Office Solutions, Ireland’s leading B2B office supplies and solutions provider, has highlighted the pivotal role of tea and coffee breaks in the workplace, with coffee taking the lead as Ireland’s preferred beverage. The study of 500 office workers shows how these small breaks in the day contribute to workers’ wellbeing and productivity.
With 70 per cent of workers taking two or more tea/coffee breaks daily, for many these moments are an essential pause in the working day. A striking 65 per cent of respondents rate tea/coffee breaks as “very important” for their wellbeing, and “somewhat important” for a further 23 per cent, demonstrating the power of a simple cup of coffee or tea to boost morale.
Coffee v tea: Ireland’s call
The Codex survey reveals that coffee is now the number one break-time beverage for 50 per cent of Irish workers, with tea unsurprisingly a close second on 37 per cent. While herbal teas (four per cent ) and hot chocolate (three per cent ) lag behind, Lyons Tea dominates as Ireland’s favourite tea brand (32 per cent ), narrowly edging out Barry’s Tea (31 per cent ) and Lipton (eight per cent ). Among coffee lovers, Nescafe wears the crown with 31 per cent of the vote for preferred brands, followed by coffee pod (12 per cent ) and espresso (eight per cent ) brands.
Morning (9am-11am ) is the most popular time for breaks, with 76 per cent of workers taking time for a tea or coffee during this window. Early afternoon (44 per cent ) and late afternoon (41 per cent ) are also key moments for workers to take a break and recharge. One in six respondents keep their beverage breaks brief at less than five minutes, while a majority (72 per cent ) keep their breaks between five and 15 minutes and just 16 per cent admit to indulging in longer breaks.
Why do breaks matter?
Tea and coffee breaks are more than just a chance to grab a drink. Beyond the beverage, over half (53 per cent ) of Irish workers use their breaks to take a breather from screen-time, while 52 per cent see them as a way to re-energise. Socialising also plays a role, with 31 per cent using breaks to connect with colleagues.
However, not everyone takes the time to pause. Seventy per cent of respondents cite being too busy as the main reason for skipping breaks, followed by limited break time (22 per cent ) and a lack of suitable spaces (eight per cent ).
Emily Harnett, head of marketing at Codex, commented: “Our survey highlights the crucial role that tea and coffee breaks play in fostering a work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. Whether you're a flat white fanatic or a loyal Lyons Tea drinker, the shared experience of a break - whatever your choice of beverage - unites teams and boosts morale. At Codex, we’re committed to creating workplaces where these simple rituals are encouraged, supported and celebrated.”
