Another buzz phrase is brewing! You’ve heard of “Quiet Quitting,” but have you heard of “Coffee Badging”? ☕
With many companies pushing to get back to the office, Coffee Badging is the latest trend where people go to the office for a few hours to “show face,” grab a coffee with co-workers, or sit in on a work meeting, and then leave to work remotely.
The trend appears to be a response to the increased popularity of return-to-work mandates and the growing resistance among workers.
It’s basically a way for disengaged employees to “work around” the return-to-office push and continue to do the least they can without drawing attention.
Several factors are contributing to this trend:
1. Continued post-pandemic fatigue: The constant connection to work can be draining.
2. Distractions: Constant interruptions hinder productivity.
3. Lack of engagement: Employees crave development, learning, and mentorship.
4. Desire for flexibility: Work-life balance and remote options are a priority.
Effects of coffee badging:
- Coffee Badging is not a good situation for either employees or employers. This leads to a gap and mismatch between needs and preferences of employees and the expectations of employers.
2. Coffee Badging can have negative impact for both individual and organizational performance such as reduced engagement, collaboration, innovation, and loyalty.
The coffee badging work trend is a reflection of the evolving nature of work in the 21st century. This practice can be a sign of friction and misalignment between the needs and preferences of workers and the policies and expectations of employers. As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, employees are finding creative ways to maintain a sense of connection with their colleagues and company culture. Employers must recognize and adapt to these changing dynamics, fostering a workplace that values both flexibility and a strong sense of community.
“Coffee Badging” is a clear reminder that companies need to adapt their strategies to foster a sense of purpose and belonging in remote work environments rather than opting for the easy route of “let’s get everyone back in the office.
