Executives undecided on the effects of workplace chatter on productivity.
Workplace chit-chat can lead to improved work performance, according to employees, but executives aren’t so sure.
According to a recent survey of 539 office workers developed by staffing firm OfficeTeam, 40 per cent of respondents said water cooler conversations increase productivity by providing opportunities for employee bonding.
A related survey, also by OfficeTeam, which includes responses from 100 senior executives in Canada, found that executives couldn’t agree on whether idle chat affected productivity.
Thirty-five per cent of those polled felt that it had no effect on productivity and 29 per cent agreed with employees, that chatting increased productivity as it encouraged bonding with co-workers.
"Informal discussions at the water cooler or in the lunchroom can often lead to new ideas, stronger work relationships and improved team camaraderie, which, in turn, can increase productivity," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam
But over a third of executives — 34 per cent — begged to differ with employees. These executives felt that productivity dipped because of time wasted chatting.
"Conversations should not interfere with work that needs to be done. If talks steer away from business issues and continue for extended periods of time, it's distracting to others. In these cases, the dialogue should be continued after office hours." added Domeyer.
According to a recent survey of 539 office workers developed by staffing firm OfficeTeam, 40 per cent of respondents said water cooler conversations increase productivity by providing opportunities for employee bonding.
A related survey, also by OfficeTeam, which includes responses from 100 senior executives in Canada, found that executives couldn’t agree on whether idle chat affected productivity.
Thirty-five per cent of those polled felt that it had no effect on productivity and 29 per cent agreed with employees, that chatting increased productivity as it encouraged bonding with co-workers.
"Informal discussions at the water cooler or in the lunchroom can often lead to new ideas, stronger work relationships and improved team camaraderie, which, in turn, can increase productivity," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam
But over a third of executives — 34 per cent — begged to differ with employees. These executives felt that productivity dipped because of time wasted chatting.
"Conversations should not interfere with work that needs to be done. If talks steer away from business issues and continue for extended periods of time, it's distracting to others. In these cases, the dialogue should be continued after office hours." added Domeyer.
