‘Coffee badging’ A new office trend takes over workplaces : Survey
The coffee badging method is used by those who work in a hybrid or flexible model. They come into the office to fulfill the mission of being on the premises for a short period of time
As the COVID-19 pandemic eases and more companies ask their employees to return to the office, a new workplace trend has emerged: coffee badging. The act of making a quick appearance at the office for a few hours before promptly leaving is referred to as coffee badging.
This method is used by those who work in a hybrid or flexible model. They come into the office to fulfill the mission of being on the premises for a short period of time—just long enough to fetch a cup of coffee—but leave as soon as this is completed.
Why are workers badging coffee?
Coffee badging is a response to the growing popularity of return-to-office (RTO) mandates that many workers find restrictive and unnecessary. According to a survey by Owl Labs, 58% of hybrid workers have had coffee badges in the past, and 47% of employees say they will quit if RTO is imposed on them.
Many workers prefer the flexibility and autonomy of working remotely and do not want to waste time and money on frequent office visits. They also feel more productive and comfortable working from home, where they can avoid distractions, interruptions, and stress.
Who is coffee badging?
According to the same survey by Owl Labs, coffee badging is more prevalent among men than women and among millennials than other generations. The report does not explain the reasons behind these differences, but they could be related to gendered expectations, work-life balance, and workplace culture.
Men may feel more comfortable or entitled to coffee badging than women, who may face more scrutiny or pressure to conform. Millennials may be more accustomed to or open to flexible work arrangements than older generations, who may have different work ethics or habits.
What are the implications of coffee badging?
Coffee badges are not ideal for either employees or employers. It indicates a misalignment between workers’ needs and preferences and employers’ policies and expectations.
It also reflects the two parties’ lack of trust and communication. Coffee badging can harm both individual and organizational performance by reducing engagement, collaboration, innovation, and loyalty.
How can coffee badging be prevented or addressed?
By embracing flexibility, fostering open communication, and prioritizing outcome over presence, coffee badging can be avoided or addressed. Employers should recognize the advantages and disadvantages of remote work and provide employees with more flexibility and control over their work environment and schedule.
Employers should also communicate clearly and on a regular basis with employees, soliciting feedback and input on RTO decisions and plans. Employers should also prioritize measuring and rewarding employees based on their outcomes and contributions rather than their attendance and visibility.
The phenomenon of coffee badging reveals the changing dynamics and demands of the modern workplace. It is an indication that employees and employers must adapt and align their work practices and policies to the new realities and opportunities of hybrid and remote work. They can create a more balanced, productive, and satisfying work environment for everyone by doing so.
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