New research from NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical sector, shows that interactions between tradespeople and clients are becoming increasingly practical and transactional, with a noticeable drop in everyday courtesies across younger age groups.

The study highlights a clear generational divide in behaviour. While 81% of people over 55 said they would offer a tradesperson a cup of tea, that figure falls sharply to 45% among 25–34-year-olds. Similarly, 71% of older homeowners said they would allow a tradesperson to use their toilet, compared with just 34% in the 25–34 bracket and 41% of those aged 16–24.

Conversation is also on the decline: 63% of over-55s said they would chat casually with a tradesperson, but only 44% of Gen Z respondents, 39% of those aged 25–34, and 33% of 16–24-year-olds said the same.

Mental health concerns in the trades

The findings come at a time when wellbeing in the trades is under scrutiny, with 82% of tradespeople saying they have experienced stress, anxiety or mental health issues linked to their work. NICEIC warns that reduced warmth in client interactions could deepen feelings of isolation, particularly for those working long hours alone.

Danny Mouskovias, Learning and Wellbeing Manager at NICEIC, explained:

“Many tradespeople work by themselves for extended periods, which can be lonely. If interactions with customers become purely transactional, that sense of isolation only grows. Even small gestures — offering a tea or starting a short conversation — can make a real difference, helping to ease pressure and create a more positive working environment.”

Regional and city differences

The research also revealed geographic variations in attitudes. People in the South East and East of England are the most generous when it comes to offering tradespeople a hot drink, at 72%, compared with the national average of 63%. At city level, Bristol topped the list, with 83% of residents happy to brew tea for a tradesperson.

By contrast, Londoners proved the least accommodating, with only 36% willing to let tradespeople use their toilet. In the East of England, the figure rises to 63%, reflecting a more hospitable approach.

A shift away from traditional courtesies

Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, said:

“There’s a stark generational split in how people engage with tradespeople. Younger households are less likely to offer a drink, provide access to facilities, or chat during a job. If this trend continues, gestures that were once considered normal could become rare.”

Tom Bickerton, Managing Director of Bickerton Electrical Services, also observed a cultural shift:

“The days of the ‘local electrician’ are fading. Homeowners are often busy or working remotely, so visits tend to be discreet and business-like. Many electricians now work with management firms covering wide areas, which makes the service more results-driven and less personal. For smaller firms like ours, that creates an opportunity to build long-term relationships and focus on repeat clients.”

He added:

“I don’t expect a drink when I arrive at someone’s house — they’re paying for my work. But when someone does offer one, it feels like an olive branch, a simple way of saying thank you.”

Signs of mistrust

The study also uncovered a degree of scepticism from clients. Around 16% of homeowners said they either have, or would, closely watch a tradesperson while they worked. This was most common among 25–34-year-olds (26%), but far less likely in the over-55s (just 3%).

In addition, surveillance technology is playing a role. A quarter (25%) of 25–34-year-olds admitted they would monitor tradespeople using security cameras, compared to only 3% of those aged 55 and older.

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