Recently, I met my old friend, Prasanna in the Dollars Colony, Boulevard, who happens to be a manager at a Software Company. We were talking and Prasanna, who is a complete professional, shared his thoughts on this massive shift from office culture to the new work from home situation. Among the many other interesting facets that he shared about this new normal, it was the water cooler chats that grabbed my attention.
Prasanna enlightened me on how simple watercooler chats help keep up good relationships with colleagues in a rather competitive environment. It is no secret that corporate life is stressful. There is this constant pressure to brainstorm new ideas and innovate new technologies, which keeps everyone on the edge. As such, heated conversations, debates, and blunt emails are a part and parcel of the job. However, all these differences dissolve when you have a face-to-face chat near the water cooler!
Water cooler chats have been in practice long before the invention of the water cooler. It is taking that much-needed break and destressing with a simple chat and smile. Today, it is a common practice across the globe. Simple chat in a relaxed ambiance is a great way to bring the team together.
However, the sudden shift brought by the pandemic left everyone in a daze. It became difficult for colleagues to connect and understand each other. This has resulted in impacted productivity and low morale of the employees.
What are water cooler chats?
Water cooler chats are little water breaks where the employees gather around the water cooler, refilling their coffee or water bottle, and have a face-to-face conversation. The topic of conversation can be anything ranging from professional discussions to personal matters.
It serves the basic need of human interaction and acts as a great stress buster. Research has also revealed the many health benefits of social interactions. From improving productivity to boosting memory to reducing the chances of errors to enhanced concentration, the benefits are myriad.
7 Benefits of water-cooler chats
1. It helps strengthen the bonds
Having light-hearted chats over tea or coffee is not a new trend, this culture has been popular for ages. In fact, coffee became a popular beverage because it gave people a platform to connect with each other. Taking short breaks to chat helps people connect better.
Also Read: Coffee and Longevity
2. It helps break the shell
Social anxiety is a real thing and many people have a difficult time opening up about their feelings and emotions. This is very helpful in office space as it helps introverts open up the door to their bewildering dream. Though social anxiety can’t be fixed at once, a simple water cooler chat is a great start.
Also Read: Self Help Strategies for social anxiety
3. It helps employee retention
Most people quit their jobs because of the company culture. When employees don’t feel connected and motivated to stay at the job, they look for other options. According to some reports, social connection is a more important factor for employees than money and benefits. Water cooler chats are a powerful way to promote social connection and improve social retention.
4. It promotes a feeling of belonging and togetherness
Water cooler chats help build mutual trust, respect, and comfort. It allows individuals to open up and have a good hearty chat which is the foundation of strong relationships. When you open up to each other, it promotes a feeling of belonging and togetherness.
Also Read: Why giving is good for health?
5. It improves productivity
Research proves that having social interactions leads to improved productivity. It is a great stress-buster and a short break helps unclog your mind and reset your focus. It also helps to lift spirits!
Also Read: Positive social relationship is good for your health.
6. It promotes good health
Modern jobs are stressful and stress drains creativity and productivity. It is also the main culprit behind many chronic diseases. Water cooler chats are destressing. Sharing stories or a few laughs release feel-good hormones in the brain.
Also Read: What makes a good life?
7. It sparks great ideas
Casual talks have been the birthplace of many great ideas. The easy-going vibe of water-cooler chats helps ideas flow. Closed cubicles can clog the mind. Stepping out of that setting into a more relaxed ambiance can help speed the process of brainstorming.
Also Read: Creativity blinks in the bathroom
Water Cooler Chats – Beyond the Office!
After listening to Prasanna, I was very intrigued. I went home and dug the internet to find more information about the water cooler chats. After closely noting the benefits of this simple act, I suggested this to a few of my patients who complained of relationship issues, anxiety, tension, and depression.
Just the simple practice of having a cup of coffee or sharing the evening snacks over a chat is proven to improve bonding among the family members. It also allows them to find a window to communicate and connect with the people that really matter!
After I suggested this to my patients, they made it point to gather the family and every member should take turns to share their thoughts. Whether it is a simple joke that cracks everyone up or discussing the differences or sharing the troubles one is facing, water cooler chats provided them the window to connect!
One of my patients, Ajay whom I recommended this new therapy came back to me to after two weeks. He was really happy and said that it helped him iron out the differences in his family.
