New research from Three UK has revealed a worrying workplace habit: more than a third (35%) of British workers rarely leave their desk during the working day, while nearly half (49%) admit the only thing that gets them up is a trip to the loo.
To address this growing issue — and to support Brew Monday, an annual wellbeing campaign led by Samaritans — Three is encouraging UK employers to adopt a new initiative called ‘Tea Leave’, designed to promote connection, conversation and mental wellbeing at work.
What Is Brew Monday?
Brew Monday was created to challenge the idea of so-called Blue Monday, reframing January as a time for connection rather than isolation. The campaign encourages people to check in with each other, open up about how they’re feeling, and share a simple cuppa and conversation.
As part of the initiative, Three+, the mobile network’s rewards app, is offering customers two £1 hot drinks at cafés and coffee shops across the UK — giving people a tangible excuse to step away from their desks and reconnect.
Why ‘Tea Leave’ Matters
The idea behind Tea Leave is rooted in new research showing that 70% of office workers believe stepping outside for a tea or coffee break — however small it may seem — often sparks the most meaningful conversations they have with colleagues.
Even more striking, 73% of workers say these informal moments of connection support their mental wellbeing more effectively than dedicated wellbeing spaces (61%) or organised team-building days (55%).
With one in four workers (25%) admitting they don’t feel confident discussing their mental health at work, Three hopes Tea Leave can help normalise everyday check-ins — without pressure or formalities.
A No-Questions-Asked Break
To lead by example, Three is encouraging its own employees to take a 30-minute, no-questions-asked Tea Leave, giving them time to get fresh air, enjoy a hot drink and connect with others — either face to face or over the phone.
This push comes as wellbeing continues to rise up the workplace agenda. According to the research, 77% of workers want to make more of their breaks this year, while 76% believe better breaks would positively impact their wellbeing.
Looking ahead to 2026, British workers say they plan to:
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Spend more time outdoors during breaks (44%)
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Reply to texts from friends and family (20%)
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Video call loved ones more often (18%)
Dr Alex George on the Power of Stepping Away
Dr Alex George, mental health advocate and campaign supporter, explained why these small moments matter:
“I know first-hand how easy it is to let the day slip away from you when you’re at work, but making time away from your desk can play a huge role in supporting our mental health. This Brew Monday, I’m teaming up with Three and Samaritans to launch their ‘Tea Leave’ campaign — a 30-minute wellbeing break to reconnect with others. Something as simple as a meaningful chat over a cuppa and some fresh air can help us feel more connected and less alone.”
Three Reaches £1 Million Fundraising Milestone
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, also confirmed that the company has now reached a major milestone:
“Today we are launching our ‘Tea Leave’ initiative, in support of Samaritans and Brew Monday, to help champion more positive wellbeing in the workplace. Alongside this, I am pleased to announce that Three has reached its fundraising milestone of £1 million to support the incredible work of Samaritans.”
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, added:
“There’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. Feeling low isn’t something that only happens in January. Three’s Tea Leave initiative is a great way to build in time to check in with each other and have real conversations. Moments of human connection can be life-changing.”
£1 Hot Drinks Across the UK
Whether working from home or the office, Three customers can take advantage of the offer running 19–25 January. Three+ members can enjoy two £1 hot drinks from the brand’s £1 Coffee Network, available at hundreds of locations nationwide.
From coffee and tea to hot chocolate and iced drinks, it’s a simple incentive to pause, reconnect and prioritise wellbeing.
