The HR industry has faced several buzzwords and phenomenons in the workplace through the rapid evolution our world has experienced over the past few years — from the Great Resignation, to quiet quitting to digital nomads. And now, there's another one coming into the mix: ‘coffee badging’. And it’s a phenomenon that is on the rise — according to a recent survey by video conferencing company Owl Labs, of 2,000 full-time workers in the United States, more than half (58%) of hybrid workers admitted to ‘coffee badging’. And it’s a trend that is being observed in South Africa too. But what is it, and what can HR leaders do about it?What is coffee badging?Coffee badging refers to employees making fleeting appearances in the office — to ‘sign in’ with their work badges, enjoying the amenities like coffee, with the main motivation of meeting the mandated employee presence in the office, rather than for productive work. It’s the response to increasing demands for staff to work on-site, sometimes for as little as 2 days a week. Implications for the workplaceWhile on the surface, coffee badging might seem harmless, it can have several adverse implications for workplace dynamics and productivity. For one, it’s going to have an impact on your culture: the drive back to hybrid working is rooted in data, after all. Having face-to-face time with colleagues and the productivity of face-to-face meetings are lost if some of your team aren’t playing ball. For teams that thrive on spontaneous interactions and brainstorming sessions, the absence of key members can disrupt workflow and innovation. It also poses a challenge for managers trying to gauge employee engagement and productivity accurately.What can HR leaders do about coffee badging?The drive to bring employees back to the office isn’t going anywhere, so what can HR leaders do to address ‘coffee badgers’? So much of it comes back to finding the right cultural fits for your business, but here’s how HR leaders can support managers in addressing this new phenomenon. 1. Clear policies and expectationsEstablishing clear policies regarding in-office attendance and remote work is crucial. These policies should outline the expected frequency of in-office presence and the specific activities or meetings that necessitate physical attendance. Transparent communication ensures that all employees are aware of what is expected and can plan their schedules accordingly.2. Focus on output, not presenceShifting the emphasis from physical presence to output can alleviate the pressure to engage in coffee badging. HR leaders should advocate for performance metrics that focuses on results rather than time spent in the office. By recognising and rewarding productivity and achievement, regardless of where the work is done, companies can foster a culture of accountability and trust.4. Create meaningful in-office experiencesIf the office isn’t somewhere your employees want to come and work, then perhaps it’s time to explore why: perhaps they feel less productive, there aren’t enough quiet spaces to work — or the communication in-team isn’t there. 5. Monitor and adaptRegularly monitoring employee behaviour and soliciting feedback can provide insights into the effectiveness of hybrid work policies and the prevalence of coffee badging. HR leaders should be prepared to adapt strategies as needed, ensuring they remain responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of their workforce.The future of hybrid workCoffee badging is a symptom of the broader challenge of balancing flexibility with productivity in the hybrid work era. As companies continue to navigate this new landscape, HR leaders play a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices that align with organisational goals while accommodating the diverse needs of employees.In the end, the goal is to create a work environment that leverages the best of both worlds — remote and in-office — while mitigating the downsides of each. By addressing coffee badging proactively, HR leaders can help cultivate a more engaged, productive, and harmonious workplace.In conclusion...Coffee badging emerges as a reminder of the complexities inherent in hybrid work models. By understanding the motivations behind this behaviour, listening to employees and implementing thoughtful strategies, HR leaders can turn this challenge into an opportunity for fostering a more dynamic and flexible work culture. 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