ZES Refreshing the NHS in One Cup!
- by Zener Engineering Services Ltd
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- 02 Oct, 2024
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The secret to a happier NHS workforce could be just a brew away?
A Happy Workforce is a Productive One!
Ensuring NHS staff take a break is important for both the health and wellbeing of staff and patients. NHS Staff and workers who feel positively supported and encouraged in their workplace will respond in kind, performing strongly and working with commitment and creativity. Stimulating a sense of wellbeing among co-workers can be surprisingly simple, in fact, a cup of tea can be the perfect catalyst…
If you work more than six hours in one stretch you are entitled to a rest break of 20 minutes through the Working Time Regulations and can include tea breaks, lunch breaks or any other short breaks during your working day.
NHS Staff are generally encouraged to make sure they eat regular meals and remain hydrated throughout the day. This is important for optimal bodily functions and can impact on productivity and wellbeing.
There are a number of ways a good cuppa could bring NHS staff together:
Tea & Talk
Spending 10 minutes each morning and afternoon to make tea and have a friendly chat with your colleagues is a great way of creating an environment that feels relaxed and welcoming.
Discussing stressful situations over a cuppa helps to put things into perspective.
A Fresh Perspective
Too much desk and screen time can leave staff feeling stiff, strained, tired and demotivated.
Counter this by inviting NHS Staff to stretch their legs, wander over to the tea station and pop the kettle on.
With brew in hand, advocate a few minutes sipping on their tea, exercising their joints and idly staring out of the window.
They’ll return to their desks feeling refreshed and refocused.
Update Your Tea Selection
Liven up your tea offering by providing a choice of different teas. Showcase and store the tea selection easily and appealingly.
Suggest staff begin the day with a tasty, full-bodied black tea, to provide that gentle caffeine kick and boost for the morning ahead.
For afternoons, try green tea, for renewed focus and concentration.
Sample New Teas During Meetings
Once a month, try starting a meeting with a new tea.
Give staff the chance to sample any new additions to the tea selection.
Maybe discover the health benefits of the different types of tea available.
Again, helps to reduce stress and create a positive ambiance before the commencement of the usual stressful meeting.
The Benefits:
- Improves Focus and Concentration: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea provides a steady, calm alertness, enhancing mental clarity and focus without the "jittery" side effects often associated with coffee.
- Promotes Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Tea, especially varieties like chamomile or green tea, contains compounds that help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it an excellent choice for a quick mental break during a busy workday.
- Boosts Productivity: Taking short tea breaks gives employees a chance to step away from work, helping to refresh their mind and improve problem-solving skills upon returning.
- Enhances Social Interaction: Tea breaks can also foster team bonding and collaboration, providing an informal space for coworkers to interact, share ideas, and improve workplace relationships.
- Supports Hydration: Unlike coffee, which can be dehydrating, tea contributes to daily hydration needs, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function throughout the day.
- Antioxidant Benefits: Many teas, particularly green and black tea, are rich in antioxidants, which can support overall health, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of illness, leading to fewer sick days.
Comment:
ZES Director David Easton commented
Limited Offer (Subject to Availability)
If you work in the NHS and would like a mug, contact ZES.
