Coffee or the break!
LEGEND has it that very, very long ago, Kaldi, a goatherd from Ethiopia (erstwhile Abyssinia), saw his goats jump with verve on their skinny hind legs whenever they consumed a few red berries. Not withstanding the confusion, Kaldi tried a few berries himself. Surprisingly, even he started dancing! The red berries later gained popularity as coffee beans. From then on, until today, coffee has had the same effect on the people who consumed it, what with coffee break becoming the time that most employees look forward to at workplaces.
Think of this: What would happen if you were an employer and you do not approve of a reasonable break time for your employees? You would invariably bump into a group of red-faced people getting back to their cubicles, cursing you for their plight! Or may be not! But, you would have invited their displeasure in some form or the other. If not immediately, may be after a few days!
I have been in the corporate world for quite sometime now. And personally, I like coffee breaks in between stressful tasks that seem never-ending. My colleagues too like taking regular coffee breaks. While it is true to a certain extent that coffee intake boosts confidence, sociability and alertness, there's another side to it. Caffeine can also worsen anxiety and trigger stress.
Studies suggest that taking coffee breaks in office might deter employees' ability to do their jobs effectively. Coffee has been found to escalate stress levels and extra caffeine content disrupts emotional feelings and relationships. So, it is advisable to avoid coffee when you are about to discuss your dream project with your client. Well, that is the good news for employers!
And, for all you employees dejected by the findings on coffee breaks, here is better news!
Coffee intake in moderate amounts acts as a stimulant. It promotes social habits like a friendly chat over a cup of coffee. We all have had "coffee meets" with the top management. Leaving work areas helps us re-energise, build rapport and interactivity. Nevertheless, those of you, who are coffee addicts, beware of "coffee jitters", a nervous condition that occurs when one has had too much caffeine. Employers, beware too! A final note to both employers and employees - It is not coffee that is important about the coffee break. It is the break that is the most important!
BINDU MADHAVI
faqs@cnkonline.com
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