A new workplace trend called ‘coffee badging’ has recently emerged, with over 58% of remote workers admitting to partaking in this activity. As it’s gaining more traction, employees are searching for its meaning—and its consequences.
In simple terms, coffee badging is a practice of working from home and going to the office only to mark attendance. Employers view this trend with great concern as it raises questions about employee dedication and productivity, but is it really that bad? Let’s discuss.
What Is Coffee Badging?
Coffee badging refers to the practice of showing up to the office to fulfill company attendance policies and socialize with colleagues before heading back home to complete tasks remotely.
Owl Labs first coined this term in their 2023 State of Hybrid Report. The report revealed that over one in three (39%) workers have engaged in this practice.
This trend is becoming increasingly popular as workplace stress remains high, with 86% of remote-work-preferred employees reporting moderate to extreme stress levels.
Employees view this trend as a fair practice to balance personal life and “official work.” However, in reality, it could be doing more harm than good.
4 Risks of Coffee Badging
While this may seem like a great way to balance work and life, it has drawbacks. Here are some risks that you need to know before you dive into the practice of coffee badging.
1. Stress and Isolation
Coffee badging isn’t as beneficial as it may seem. While it offers short-term enjoyment and benefits, it could potentially negatively impact employees’ mental health over time.
Employees who engage in coffee badging often end up working extra hours to compensate for unfinished tasks, which leads to burnout and isolation. According to the World Health Organization, these extended work hours can significantly increase stress levels.
2. Missed Opportunities
The office is not just for work; it’s a place for brainstorming, networking, collaboration, and problem-solving. All these factors are crucial for personal and professional growth. In fact, two out of three workers believe that in-person interactions are mandatory for career advancement.
However, by minimizing their facetime with colleagues, coffee badgers risk missing out on meaningful connections and opportunities, ultimately resulting in a career setback.
That’s not to say that remote work will inhibit your career growth, but it’s essential to have meaningful conversations when trying to convince your boss to work remotely.
3. Strained Team Dynamics
One of the biggest challenges with hybrid workers is accommodating different work styles. Coffee badgers prefer to spend less time in the office, which can cause tension with colleagues who value a more traditional office setup.
All of these issues can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. This is a genuine concern for many organizations as they navigate the complexities of hybrid work.
4. Fewer Job Promotions
Managers don’t usually value quick and brief visits to the office just to swipe ID cards for the sake of attendance. For some, they associate remote work with a lack of dedication and poor intention—a real threat to the remote and hybrid work landscape.
Therefore, following a coffee-bagging strategy can backfire in the long run and lead to fewer job promotions. This trend might seem like a clever way to balance work and life, but it sure isn’t as easy as it seems.
A Better Approach to Remote Work
While coffee badging seems promising, it can disrupt workplace dynamics and employee productivity. So, it’s best to explore other strategies for managing remote work or pending return-to-office mandates. Here’s how you can adopt a more balanced approach.
Honest Communication with Your Manager or Team Leader
Regarding remote work, open communication with your manager about working remotely can go a long way. Discuss your expectations, work preferences, and whether the workload seems manageable in detail.
Open dialogue helps both parties stay on the same page and allows employees to focus on achieving goals rather than worrying about maintaining work-life balance.
Set Clear Expectations
Always set clear expectations with a legal contract that outlines your responsibilities and deliverables. This practice will help understand what exactly is required and avoid unnecessary extra work. As a result, you can reduce stress and maintain a balance between your personal and professional life.
Suggest a Coworking Space
One of the largest concerns for businesses and managers, as it pertains to remote work, is communication and productivity. Working out of a coworking space a few days a week gives employees a space to focus while allowing them autonomy and flexibility.
Additionally, coworking spaces have the tools and workspaces designed for hybrid and remote workers. Managers can rest assured that their team members can attend virtual meetings, take calls, and access quiet spaces within a coworking space.
And, it ensures time is set aside to meet virtually with colleagues and team leaders for one-on-one or team-building meetings with a remote or hybrid agreement.
An Evolving Workplace Landscape
Coffee badging reflects how workplaces are evolving in this age. It’s a clever strategy for some, but the fundamentals of work—like communication and collaboration—are essential for success.
Without these factors, employees are likely to encounter challenges in the long-term. Therefore, adopting alternative approaches that do not require compromising career growth is highly recommended.
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