A relatively new buzzword is making the rounds in workplaces: coffee badging. This trend is reshaping how people engage with office culture and if you’re a hybrid worker, you might be part of this movement without even realizing it.
So, what exactly is coffee badging? It occurs when employees visit the office just long enough to prove their presence. After saying hello to some coworkers, getting a coffee and swiping their badge, they return home to finish work. Coffee badging gives workers the freedom to work remotely while adhering to the rules.
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Since the pandemic’s peak, many businesses have enforced return-to-office regulations, which, in turn, gave way to coffee badging. These policies don’t necessarily outline how long employees must be in the office, but they frequently mandate that they be there a specific number of days per week. Due to this ambiguity, coffee badging has emerged as the ideal middle ground for employees who like flexibility but still wish to adhere to the rules – at least in theory.
For employees, coffee badging is about finding balance. The daily commute, office distractions and rigid schedules can feel unnecessary when remote work has already proven to be highly productive for many. Coffee badging allows workers to meet their employers’ requirements while preserving their preferred work environment. It’s a subtle negotiation between employees and employers in the ongoing battle over workplace flexibility.
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A report from Owl Labs found that 58% of hybrid workers have coffee badged at least once. The report also showed that men are more likely to coffee badge than women, with 62% of coffee badgers being men. This could be because men might feel more comfortable bending workplace rules.
Millennials are the biggest group of coffee badgers. They’re used to hybrid work and want more flexible options. Gen Z workers, who are just starting their careers, might not feel as confident doing the same. Older generations are also less likely to coffee badge, as they are more familiar with traditional office routines.
