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The traditional ‘watercooler moment’ in the workplace may be on its way out, with only one in 10 employees now engaging in casual chats at this once-popular office spot.
But, this doesn’t mean it isn’t happening elsewhere. A survey of 2,000 workers revealed that they often have informal conversations with colleagues in unexpected locations such as the office car park (15 per cent) or lift (14 per cent).
According to behavioural neuroscientist, Dr Lynda Shaw, it’s a good thing it’s staying around as she emphasises that these casual exchanges are crucial for productivity.
The research, carried out by Jakemans, underscores the significance of Monday morning chats in enhancing employee morale and focus for the forthcoming week. Dr Shaw elaborated: “After a weekend of activities with family and friends, it’s helpful to get our heads into ‘work-mode’ on Monday morning.
“This implies that those seemingly ‘unimportant’ discussions are actually extremely vital to provide us with the chance to unload our thoughts to someone willing to listen.
“Of course, this should be a reciprocal exercise, and once accomplished we can proceed with work. The shift to remote working means we need those Monday morning conversations even more, so ensuring we have them with others, even virtually, means we will feel much more motivated.”
The poll disclosed that 64 per cent of employees prefer to catch up with colleagues before commencing their Monday tasks, and a whopping 86 per cent believe that maintaining positive personal relationships with co-workers is essential.
Interestingly, research has found that more than a fifth of employees remain in touch with work colleagues over the weekend, with nearly three-quarters regularly texting or using WhatsApp to chat, and over a quarter meeting up in person.
Workers reported missing office coffee breaks and casual conversations the most (31 per cent), as well as shared lunches (25 per cent) and laughing with colleagues about work challenges (24 per cent).
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper of Jakemans noted: “Our relationships and conversations are what boosts our morale for the week ahead.”
She continued: “We depend on them to keep us driven and could be the contributing factors as to why Mondays seem to be the day people find most productive.”
DR SHAW’S TOP TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MONDAYS:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
