Coffee Badging: What This Trend Reveals About Work Culture and Return-to-Office Mandates

Coffee badging involves employees swiping their badges or making a brief appearance in the office before leaving to work elsewhere for the rest of the day. The term has gained traction as more companies like JPMorgan Chase and Meta enforce stricter in-office requirements.

Why Is Coffee Badging on the Rise?

The root cause is a growing disconnect between what employers want and what employees value. According to recent surveys, 79% of CEOs expect a full return to the office within three years, while 58% of white-collar employees prefer to work remotely at least three days a week. As Viv Paxinos, CEO of AllBright and Everywoman, notes, “There is a real disconnect between employers and employees at the moment”.


What Does Coffee Badging Say About Work Culture?


How Should Business Leaders Respond?

  • Reframe RTO Mandates: Shift from blanket mandates to outcome-based policies. Focus on the “why” behind in-office requirements and communicate the value of purposeful presence.

  • Foster Trust and Flexibility: Build a culture of trust by measuring performance on outcomes, not attendance. Allow flexibility wherever possible.

  • Make the Office a Destination: Invest in making the office experience worthwhile-collaborative spaces, meaningful in-person activities, and opportunities for connection.

  • Listen and Adapt: Engage employees in open dialogue about what works best for productivity and engagement. Use feedback to continuously refine workplace policies.

  • Lead by Example: Leaders should model the behaviors they wish to see, demonstrating the value of in-person collaboration while respecting employees’ need for autonomy.

Conclusion

Coffee badging is more than a trend; it’s a signal that the future of work needs to be flexible, trust-based, and intentional. Organizations that listen to their people, adapt their policies, and focus on meaningful outcomes will be best positioned to thrive in this new era.

Robin Kasner

Managing Partner at 18 Coffees

https://www.18coffees.com
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