BY KRISTEN GARRIDO
Originating in tech and creative industries, coffee badging has become a common practice in many workplaces, especially with the rise of open office plans and remote work.
Coffee badging involves casual, often spontaneous meetings over coffee, allowing employees to connect and communicate outside formal meetings or office settings.
The rise of remote work has increased the popularity of virtual coffee badging, allowing employees to maintain connections despite physical distance.
Employees schedule brief coffee meetings, often lasting 15-30 minutes, to discuss projects, share ideas or simply get to know each other better in a relaxed setting.
Coffee badging enhances networking by providing a casual atmosphere for building professional relationships and fostering collaboration.
Regular coffee badging can boost employee morale by offering a break from routine tasks and an opportunity for social interaction.
The informal nature of coffee badging often sparks creativity and innovation, as employees feel more comfortable sharing off-the-cuff ideas.
Critics argue that frequent coffee badging can lead to reduced productivity, as employees spend time away from their desks.
Without clear guidelines, coffee badging can sometimes be misused for personal rather than professional purposes, detracting from its intended benefits.
Coffee badging has grown popular due to its ability to enhance networking, communication and innovation while offering both pros and cons.
Its rise reflects changing workplace dynamics and the importance of informal interactions in professional settings.