Coffee Badgers in the Workplace

Here we go. Ready for a new workplace term? I’ve got you covered. The new term making the rounds is “coffee badging”. ☕This is a new trend where employees go into the office (badge in) for a brief period of time, usually to grab a coffee, show their faces around, socialize with coworkers and then leave. This trend is becoming increasingly popular as more and more companies are implementing mandatory return-to-office policies.

The term “coffee badging” was coined by collaborative tech company Owl Labs. Owl Labs conducted a recent survey and found that 58% of hybrid workers in the United States admit to coffee badging. This suggests that the trend is becoming increasingly widespread.

Reminds me of the auto parts warehouse I worked at for a couple summers in college. 🚚The warehouse was huge and covered almost an entire city block. Guys would punch in at the time clock, grab a coffee and head to the “back forty” to hide in and amongst the rows of tires and mufflers until lunch time when the “roach coach” honked it’s horn outside.

Back to 2023 – Employees are finding creative ways to resist going back to the office and are using their coffee cups as a symbol of resistance, all while their bosses are keeping an eye on them from home. It’s a small act of defiance that speaks volumes about the current state of remote work.

While Coffee Badging may seem lighthearted, it is a reflection of employees’ desire for greater flexibility and autonomy in their work environment. It also highlights the need for employers to engage with their teams to strike a balance that benefits both parties.

So, whether you’re a coffee badge enthusiast or just a curious observer, the Coffee Badging trend is a reminder that the world of work is evolving. Let’s raise a cup of virtual coffee to the future of work, full of innovation, adaptability, and a hint of rebellion. ☕🛡️ #CoffeeBadging #WorkTrends #FutureOfWork #cpacareers #careercoach