What is ‘Coffee Badging’???

A new term has cropped up in the evolving world of work: “coffee badging.”

It’s when employees show up at the office mainly for chats or to look busy, rather than for actual work. It’s a stark reminder that as the world of work evolves we must consider culture and psychological safety.  if people are wanting to look busy in your organisation – you may have a problem.  It’s also a reminder of the diverse needs we all have at work, especially as more of us shift to hybrid setups.

One size doesn’t fit all

Hybrid working brings its own set of challenges. Of course, it gives us flexibility, but it also blurs the lines between work and home. That’s why it’s crucial for companies to recognise that one size doesn’t fit all. We’re all wired differently, with different workstyles, preferences, and situations. Some of us thrive in the hustle and bustle of the office, while others prefer the peace and quiet of working from home.

When companies embrace flexibility, they’re saying, “Hey, we get it. You’re not a one-size-fits-all employee.” They’re letting us choose how and where we work best. And that’s a game-changer. It means we can tailor our workdays to fit around our lives – whether that’s dropping the kids off at school or taking care of a pet.

Trust

But flexibility isn’t just about convenience. It’s about trust and respect and if your people happen to be ‘coffee badging’ then it’s time to consider how you need to change your culture a little. We always start by looking at leadership skills.

When leaders trust us to manage our work in a way that suits us, it’s like a breath of fresh air. We feel valued, empowered and ready to give our best. And that’s good for everyone – us, our bosses and the company as a whole.

Talk to us about Workforce transformation – there are 60 different options in our workforce model.  Some will suit your business and your people. Let’s embrace flexibility. Let’s acknowledge that we’re all different and that is OK.  Because when we do, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive, no matter how they like their coffee.