Only one in 10 Brits say they have chats at the watercooler
The days of the workplace ‘watercooler moment’ may be coming to an end – as just one in 10 are now having casual chats at the once office staple.
A poll of 2,000 workers found they are more likely to natter with their colleagues in the office car park (15 per cent) or elevator (14 per cent).
Wherever these personal conversations take place it’s imperative for productivity that they happen.
When settling in for the working week, 64 per cent like to catch up with their workplace pals before getting-down to business on a Monday.
And 67 per cent feel more motivated on Mondays when in the presence of their friends.
Weekend activities, the weather and what to watch on Netflix are the topics of conversation that dominate the chit-chat agenda on the first day back after the weekend.
The research was commissioned by Jakemans, to highlight the positive impact conversations have on boosting workers morale and getting them to focus on the working week ahead.
Dr Lynda Shaw, behavioural neuroscientist and leadership psychologist, and spokesperson for the throat lozenge brand, said: “After a weekend of activities with family and friends, it’s helpful to get our heads into ‘work-mode’ on Monday morning.
“This means those seemingly ‘unimportant’ conversations are actually extremely important to ensure we have the opportunity to download our thoughts with someone willing to be a sounding board.
“Of course, this should be a mutual exercise, and once achieved we can get on with work.
“Working from home means we need those Monday morning conversations even more, so, making sure we have them with others, even online, means we will feel far more motivated.”
It also emerged almost eight in 10 working adults consider their colleagues ‘friends’ outside of the office – and 86 per cent believe it’s important to have good personal relationships with their co-workers.
While 70 per cent have developed close relationships with colleagues which have ended up lasting beyond their time working together.
Two in five (22 per cent) will keep in contact with their work pals over the weekend – and 73 per cent regularly chat over text or WhatsApp, while one quarter (26 per cent) meet up in person.
Coffee break chats (31 per cent), office lunches together (25 per cent) and having a laugh over shared challenges (24 per cent) are the office moments that workers love sharing with their colleagues.
The research, which was conducted via OnePoll, went on to find 67 per cent think it would be ‘weird’ for their colleagues to go an hour without saying a word to one another.
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, spokesperson for Jakemans, a throat lozenge that releases natural menthol vapours to soothe the symptoms of a sore or tickly throat, said: “Our relationships and conversations are what boosts our morale for the week ahead.
“We rely on them to keep us motivated and could be the contributing factors as why Mondays seem to be the day people find most productive.
“What’s clear from the research is the importance of keeping our voices in tip-top condition, meaning you don’t have to miss out on the motivation that these conversations bring.
“Like any part of our bodies, it’s important to look after our voice, particularly in the coming months where sore throats and coughs will likely increase in the office.”
Conversation topics employees like to discuss with colleagues on a Monday:
- Weekend activities / what you got up to at the weekend
- The weather
- Netflix/ TV shows/ movies
- Family / kids
- Sport / sports fixtures
- Holidays
- Food and drink
- Weekend plans for the next weekend
- Politics
- Music
Dr Lynda Shaw's top tips to get the most out of Mondays:
- Kickstart with energising conversations, but hold the work-chat
Start your Monday with positive, non-work-related catch-ups with colleagues. This helps transition from weekend mode to work mode while boosting mood and setting a collaborative tone for the week. - Plan for your Monday, on the Friday before
One of the most effective ways to get the most out of your Monday is preparation. Prepare for your Monday by setting manageable goals and creating your to-do list on the Friday before. This reduces feeling overwhelmed on a Monday morning and gives you a clear, productive direction right from the start. - Use Monday to build relationships with colleagues
Make time for social interactions, whether in-person or remote as this stimulates the feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain. Monday is a great day to reconnect, fostering teamwork and motivation through casual, trust-building conversations which lead to increased productivity, increased engagement and loyalty. - Celebrate early wins, no matter how small
Start your Monday with tasks that give you a quick sense of achievement. Celebrating small wins on Monday can boost your confidence and set a positive momentum for the rest of the week. - Reframe your mindset about what a Monday can bring
We have been conditioned to not look forward to Mondays. Instead, shift your perspective—see it as a fresh opportunity to make progress – you are after all, in control of the speed of your Monday and how you experience it.