STUCK in a job you hate? Desperate for a pay rise or more recognition?

Don’t waste your time working hard, go and stick the kettle on.

Odd as it may sound, that is the latest advice from an office supplies firm which says there is actually, believe it or not, a direct link between making cups of tea and coffee and getting a promotion.

A survey of 1,600 office workers carried out by Viking showed that most people questioned believed making a brew would put them ahead of the pack when it came to getting on in their careers.

“Viking’s research has found there is a direct correlation between making lots of hot drinks for colleagues and getting promoted at work,” said Sophie Christopher from the firm.

“It is mainly because being prepared to make the tea or coffee demonstrates qualities such as attentiveness, humility and pro-activity which many employers welcome.”

But before the stampede to buy the milk and sugar ensues, it may be worth noting that many recruitment specialists are taking the research with a pinch of salt.

John Barrie, managing director at Poole-based Go Recruits, said making the tea was “absolutely not” related to getting a promotion.

“If you’re working for a tea company and it’s to do with making tea, then maybe,” he said. “But working in a general office environment it should be down to ability and skills and performance. I’ve never come across anyone believing making the tea will get them promoted.”

It may not be as obvious as putting the kettle on, but Melanie Munro, branch manager for South West Recruitment in Bournemouth, said there was something to be said for sucking up to the boss.

“I can see why people would think making the tea would help because it shows that they’re a team builder,” she said.

“It also shows that it’s a good way to get on with the manager, to give them a tea or coffee. I think it all revolves around looking after the boss, pampering the boss.

“People feel if they work closely with the boss they think they’re more likely to get promoted.”

James Martin, who works in customer liaison for Poole-based recruitment agency Rubicon, however, believed offering to “brew up” would still stand you in good stead in a work environment.

“I don’t know about promotion, but it’s team building within the group,” he said.

“Also, things like answering the phone constantly. It makes you more of a team player, which gives you more chance of being promoted.

“That and a good presence at work, good hygiene is always good. Being well-presented makes you feel more confident, then you will do your job better.

“It’s things like smiling and being happy, making yourself be remembered, push yourself a little bit, go that extra mile.”

Of course, being first at the kettle doesn’t always need to have an ulterior motive.

According to publicity consultant Steve Bendell, who also has a diploma in stress management, it’s the perfect opportunity to talk to a colleague who you feel may be having problems in their work or personal life.

“Sometimes just having a chat over a cup of tea or coffee you can unearth some issues that might not otherwise come to light in a normal working environment,” he said.

“I’m not sure whether it’s going to gain anyone a promotion, but it’s a nice thing to do for your work colleagues anyway.

“There’s definitely a benefit to having a cup of tea or a chat.”