Workplace trends induced by the Great Office Return - Peacocking vs Coffee Badging

The dynamic realm of workplaces is a natural melting pot of ideas, adversities, and innovative disruptions in which trends have been evolving ever since corporate offices came into existence. Recall the buzz around the Great Resignation or Quiet Quitting?

But the contemporary workforce has taken it a step further, introducing a whole new array of fascinating trends. From the minimalist approach of Bare Minimum Mondays to the delightfully rebellious Lazy Girl Job and even the hush-hush world of Hush Tripping, today's workplace trends seem to be boundless.

If you're an office-goer, chances are you've dipped your toes into one of these categories, and who knows, it might just be the next big trend shaping our work lives.

Now, as we return to the office grind, both large corporations like Google and Meta and industry leaders like TCS have been diligently contemplating not only how to bring their workforce back to the office but also how to curate an engaging and vibrant office environment. Some have succeeded, while others are still navigating this transition. The collective effort to make the workplace more appealing has given rise to new office trends: Office Peacocking and Coffee Badging.

The era of creative workplace trends is far from over, and it's time to explore what these intriguing trends entail and how they could influence the future of work.

Understanding Coffee Badging

Coffee badging, a colloquial term used to describe the practice of briefly visiting the office for a few hours before making a swift exit, has become a noticeable trend in the professional world. This behaviour is on the rise, with a noteworthy 58% of hybrid employees adopting this approach, while an additional 8% have expressed their interest in trying it out, according to a report by Owl Labs.

In the year 2023, a notable resurgence of employees returning to in-office work was observed. A substantial 66% of this year's survey respondents reported being back to full-time in-office work. Intriguingly, only 22% of this group genuinely preferred this traditional office setup, which signifies the evolving nature of work preferences. Furthermore, it appears that business trips are gradually returning to their pre-pandemic norms, as 54% of workers have observed a resurgence in business travel activities.

This trend illustrates the dynamic shifts occurring in the professional landscape, influenced by factors such as changing work arrangements, evolving employee preferences, and the gradual normalisation of business travel activities.

What is Office Peacocking? 

As the clarion call to return to the office reverberated through the professional world, employers embarked on a quest for innovation before making in-office attendance mandatory. The overarching goal was to rekindle the pre-pandemic norm of dedicating 40 hours a week to office cubicles and desks.

In this transitional phase, a new trend emerged, known as office peacocking. This signifies a shift in the way workplaces were designed, with the aim of making them feel more like homes rather than traditional, sterile corporate settings. The intent behind this trend is to create an inviting and enjoyable work environment, acknowledging the changing dynamics of work culture.

With the adoption of hybrid work models that allowed some employees to continue working from home, office designers found more room for creativity and innovation. They pushed the boundaries of traditional office design, endeavouring to craft spaces that were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. 

However, implementing these changes came with a considerable financial investment. Redesigning office spaces, like any architectural endeavour, could be quite expensive. Companies specialising in this transformation charged substantial fees to achieve the desired look and functionality.

Despite the financial constraints, employers believe that creating an appealing and collaborative workspace is worth the investment. The modern office begins to feature cosy couches, an abundance of natural lighting, vibrant and inspiring decor, and even living plants. These elements are carefully chosen to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, inviting employees back into the physical workspace. Having spent several years working from the familiar surroundings of their homes, many employees need extra motivation to reacclimatise to the office setting.

Men outpace women in Coffee Badging

The survey, which delved into the details of this emerging office behaviour, revealed that 62% of men are actively participating in coffee badging, a practice where individuals make a brief appearance at the office for a few hours before heading out. In contrast, only 38% of women are engaging in this trend. These findings highlight a significant difference in how men and women are approaching the return to the workplace and their willingness to embrace such flexible office practices.

This gender gap in coffee badging suggests that men might be more inclined to utilise this trend as a means of maintaining flexibility in their work routines. Women, on the other hand, could have varying considerations, which may include childcare responsibilities, preferences for a more structured office environment, or other factors. 

As organisations continue to adapt to evolving workplace dynamics, these survey findings serve as a valuable insight into how different genders are navigating the transition back to in-office work and adopting new workplace trends. It underscores the importance of tailoring workplace policies and strategies to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of the workforce, especially when it comes to flexible work arrangements.

Coffee Badging across the ages

Coffee badging has taken on a distinct generational flavour in the modern workplace. The survey also revealed insights into how different age groups are embracing this trend. Notably, 63% of Millennials are actively engaged in coffee badging, making them the trendsetters in this arena. They are followed by 54% of Gen X employees, 43% of Gen Z, and 38% of Baby Boomers among the cohort of hybrid workers. 

It appears that coffee badging, once seen as an exclusive practice of younger employees, is now resonating across generations. This trend underscores how different generations are adapting to the changing dynamics of work, with the traditional nine-to-five model giving way to more flexible arrangements. While the workplace may look different for Millennials compared to Baby Boomers, the shared practice of coffee badging exemplifies how work culture continually evolves in response to shifting demands and desires.

Benefits to encourage office return

Enhancing office aesthetics and comfort is an essential aspect of this effort, but the Owl Labs report goes deeper to unveil the key factors that genuinely motivate hybrid employees to make the return.

At the top of the list, with 38% of respondents favouring it, is companies covering commuting expenses. In a world where the lines between work and home life are increasingly blurred, employers sharing the burden of commuting costs significantly impacts the decision to return to the office.

Close behind, with 34% support, is the desire for enhanced privacy within the office. This entails having dedicated offices or additional phone booths to facilitate focused work and confidential conversations. The need for personal space in shared office environments has gained prominence, reflecting the changing expectations of the modern workforce.

In the pursuit of creating a more predictable and controllable work environment, 33% of respondents expressed a desire for tools to track when specific individuals will be present in the office. This empowers employees to align their in-office days with colleagues, thus enhancing collaboration and engagement.

Surprisingly, breaking away from traditional norms, 24% of respondents showed interest in the abolishment of the dress code. Allowing employees to dress in their preferred attire while at the office can contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable work environment, potentially attracting those who miss the flexibility of remote work while maintaining a degree of professionalism.

In essence, these insights underline the multifaceted approach required to bring employees back to the office. It's not just about the physical workspace but also the associated conveniences and adjustments that can significantly impact the decision to return and the overall work experience.

Interested in staying up-to-date about the latest work trends? Stay tuned to People Matters!

If you have any updates regarding layoffs, salary reductions, or other workforce-related developments, feel free to reach out to us via email at samriddhi.s@gopeoplematters.com. 

We value and appreciate your input for our reporting.