If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that working from home is not only doable, but if given the proper support, it can be more effective. Although there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that working from home has a number of benefits for employees, including increased productivity and decreased stress levels, many employers don’t agree.
Since it’s the employers that hold all the power—including the right to terminate—many of us have been forced back to the office, where we’re expected to sit in a cubicle, doing the work that could just as easily be done at home. If you hadn’t already learned that it’s less about the actual work you do, and more about the process of being seen as working by your boss, this should drive the lesson home.
“Navigating the Return to the Office: The Rise of ‘Coffee Badging'”
In recent years, the shift to remote work has proven effective, offering benefits like increased productivity and reduced stress. However, despite the evidence supporting remote work, many employers remain resistant. The power dynamic, where employers hold the right to terminate, often compels employees back to the office, emphasizing the importance of being seen working rather than the actual output.
One survival strategy in this landscape is “coffee badging”—a tactic involving brief office appearances for visibility with the boss, followed by completing work remotely. This approach, adopted by 58% of hybrid workers according to Owl Labs, eases the commuting stress while preserving face-to-face interactions with colleagues.
While an effective strategy, coffee badging comes with its own set of risks and politics, particularly in companies with strict office hour monitoring. Flexibility in office attendance policies is crucial for its success. Additionally, studies highlight potential gender biases, where women engaging in such practices might face harsher judgments compared to their male counterparts.
As the workforce grapples with the evolving dynamics of office presence and remote work, strategies like coffee badging offer a pragmatic approach to maintaining a balance between visibility and flexibility.
