Coffee Badging, the new office trend. Know what it is.Â
Coffee Badging, the new office trend. Know what it is.
By: Pune Pulse
November 25, 2023
The corporate world is witnessing the rise of ‘coffee badging’, a new trend that reflects the changing dynamics of workplace culture as employees return to office spaces. According to Forbes, this phenomenon represents a modern interpretation of presenteeism.
What does ‘Coffee badging’ mean?
‘Coffee badging’ is a contemporary approach to managing workplace attendance, where employees strategically organize their time when they come back to the physical office environment. In this practice, professionals deliberately make appearances in the office, take coffee breaks, interact with coworkers, and promptly leave. The distinctive feature is the receipt of a symbolic ‘badge’ as recognition for this unconventional method of attendance.
As the workforce returns to office, the concept of ‘coffee badging’ is gaining traction as a purposeful reaction to the recent mandates for office attendance. This trend signifies a shift in office dynamics, where individuals prioritize meaningful and intentional interactions over strict adherence to conventional norms. The 2023 State of Hybrid Work report by Owl Labs highlights an ongoing battle between employers and employees in determining the preferred work mode, which has contributed to the rise in popularity of ‘coffee badging’.
Sarthak Ahuja’s Instagram video helped to increase the popularity of the trend. The video effectively showcases the idea of ‘coffee badging,’ depicting the act of swiping an ID badge to confirm attendance before going out for a casual coffee break with colleagues. This captivating content has played a significant role in making the trend more relatable and accessible to a wider audience, contributing to its virality.
The practice of ‘coffee badging’ goes beyond being a mere fad and represents a subtle way of pushing back against strict mandates to return to the office. As the world of hybrid work arrangements continues to evolve, this trend emphasizes the increasing significance of autonomy and purposeful interactions. It could impact work life by promoting a more well-rounded approach, where workers appreciate the flexibility of their work environment while still acknowledging the advantages of face-to-face collaboration.
This trend indicates a cultural change in prioritizing meaningful engagements over conventional attendance markers, which could potentially establish a new standard in the workplace after the pandemic.
