Sue Ellson (pictured) shared her thoughts on coffee badges
A new office trend called the “coffee badge” is sweeping the workplace, but many believe it could hurt their careers and put an end to remote work.
The ‘coffee badge’ sees hybrid employees going to the office, having a coffee and interacting with their colleagues before returning home early to work.
The craze took hold on TikTok last year, but the trend caused a stir among thousands of people, with some claiming dishonesty could cause managers to end hybrid working.
However, others said that if work is being completed, behaviors such as the coffee badge should be acceptable.
Coffee badges gained popularity in an attempt for workers to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It also demonstrates the continued demand for hybrid work arrangements and flexibility post-pandemic.
Melbourne author and careers expert Sue Ellson told FEMAIL that employers need to be clear about what needs to be completed and how employees can maximize their time and input.
“It may require some difficult conversations, but you can’t afford to make assumptions and most employees will want some level of flexibility and autonomy,” he said.
‘Managers who do not make attendance and performance requirements very clear will find their employees working ‘within the rules’ but also ‘for them.’
The ‘coffee badge’ shows hybrid employees going to the office, having a coffee and interacting with colleagues before returning home early to work (file image)
“If someone can take work home, use AI to do it faster, commute to work, slide in and out to meet the requirements of their time in the office and still receive a full salary while doing other side activities or other tasks, I think many will try.’
Ellson believes workplaces are moving toward a task-based economy, where workers are paid by completing work or tasks rather than by hours per day.
The trend sparked conversations on TikTok and many agreed with the behavior.
“When the older generation finally retires, we will be free to work wherever we want… thank goodness,” one wrote on TikTok.
‘This is the best discreet play. You get the best of both worlds. You will be able to interact and be seen, and also enjoy the quiet and focused time of working from home. We can have it all!’ added another.
‘The coffee badge occurs when company leaders prioritize perception over productivity. “It’s often due to a lack of self-awareness – they often don’t even realize they are rewarding people just for being present,” added a third.
Someone else said: ‘Work is a function, not a place. Is the work being done or not?
‘If the employee works well at home, it is not necessary for them to be in the office. “It’s about control, not productivity,” added another.
Last year, “quitting silently” was a trend on people’s minds.
The phrase follows a number of “silent” practices – including “silent resignation”, “silent hiring” and “silent firing” – but this time it’s employers who are slowly trimming employees’ responsibilities in the hope that they will eventually quit.
Ms Ellson believes the controversial corporate trend is an “old practice with a new name” that could create distrust within a company if employers make quiet cuts.
“The modern workplace is changing very rapidly and silent cutting appears to be another symptom associated with this change,” Ms Ellson told FEMAIL.
‘Employees must be aware that a job is much more than simply “completing tasks under direction.” There is an exchange of remuneration for tasks and a relationship that requires careful management by both parties.’