Coffee break

From Free net encyclopedia

---

Current revision

A coffee break is a daily social gathering for a snack and short downtime practiced by employees in business and industry. The term is American but has become universal in the modern world and is employed whether or not participants are actually drinking coffee. It corresponds with the Commonwealth terms elevenses and morning tea, although the term coffee break is increasingly used even in those countries. An afternoon coffee break is sometimes had as well.

Coffee breaks usually last 10 - 20 minutes and frequently occur at the end of the first third of the work shift. In some companies and some civil service, the coffee break may be observed formally at a set hour; in some places a "cart" with hot and cold beverages and cakes, breads and pastries arrives at the same time morning and afternoon, or an employer may contract with an outside caterer for daily service.

The break is often held away from the actual work area in a designated cafeteria or outdoor area. As well as a chance for sustenance, it is a time for gossip and small talk, or a time to smoke a cigarette. It is a chance to wind down slightly and "regroup" for the remaining day's work.

More generally, coffee break is used to denote any break from work in any arena; housewives are often portrayed in popular culture as taking a coffee break in their kitchens.