The art of office small talk

Some people despise office small talk, while others consider it normal. Nonetheless, talks among coworkers are an important element of office life, even if some people have fallen out of the practice with the development of remote work. This can make the art of office conversation even more complicated.

The shift towards remote work during the pandemic has undoubtedly changed the dynamics of workplace interactions. While video conferencing tools have attempted to bridge the gap, they often lack the spontaneity and casual nature of in-person conversations. As a result, many employees find themselves struggling to readjust to face-to-face interactions as they return to the office, leading to a period of social recalibration in the workplace.

After going silent for several months during the epidemic, workplace conversation is making a comeback in offices, whether in cubicles, lifts, or the pantry. These discussions frequently center on safe, neutral, evergreen issues such as the weather, problems with public transportation, or plans for vacations or weekend excursions.

However, for many working people, returning to trivial conversations is an uncomfortable experience, especially since they have learned to avoid this type of small talk on professional messaging systems such as WhatsApp, where the constant flow of requests necessitates a certain level of restraint and succinct communication.

The discomfort surrounding small talk is not just limited to those returning to the office. New employees, particularly those who started their jobs remotely, may find themselves navigating unfamiliar social waters as they interact with colleagues in person for the first time. This adds another layer of complexity to workplace interactions, as these individuals must learn to balance professional relationships with casual conversations in a physical setting they're experiencing for the first time.

However, small chat does not follow the same rules as professional written communication. This art of bland conversation is far more sophisticated and complex than it appears, particularly in a corporate situation.

That is why some employees do not hesitate to search the internet for advice on how to become an expert in office conversation. Google searches on things to chat about with colleagues have climbed considerably in the last two years.

Furthermore, the community site Reddit has a number of boards where individuals discuss tips and tactics for making great small talk and avoiding common errors.

The complexity of interactions amongst coworkers stems from the fact that they must consider the particular and, most importantly, the limitations of each individual. For example, it is not a good idea to discuss polarizing or overly personal topics with a coworker you do not know well. These include politics, religion, and personal affairs.

Some may interpret this as censorship of office small conversation, but it is actually a technique to accommodate everyone's sensitivities. According to a PwC poll of 52,195 employees done last year, one in every two members of Generation Z have already experienced unfavorable consequences as a result of discussing political and social issues with coworkers.

Benefits of Small Talk

Is this a sign that you can't say anything anymore, particularly to staff under the age of thirty? According to the PwC survey, 83% of Gen Z employees have profited from in-depth interactions with colleagues, even if these can lead to strong viewpoints and conflicts.

This is why it's critical not to abandon any unproductive talk at the office, whether by avoiding outspoken colleagues at all costs or by sealing yourself away in a bubble of solitude with noise-cancelling headphones.

While the benefits of small talk are clear, it's important to recognize that different personality types may approach these interactions differently. Introverts, for example, might find excessive small talk draining and may need to develop strategies to manage their energy levels throughout the day. On the other hand, extroverts might thrive on these casual interactions and actively seek them out. Understanding and respecting these differences can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive workplace environment.

Small conversation in the office may be viewed as a waste of time, but it is an activity that fosters a sense of belonging in a firm. But that's not the only benefit: speaking with coworkers improves employees' well-being and helps them manage their workday more successfully, according to research released in 2021.

There's every reason to believe that the niceties you exchange with your coworkers in between meetings are significantly more crucial than you realize, and can establish the groundwork for productive professional relationships.

Moreover, small talk can serve as a valuable tool for building cross-departmental relationships and fostering innovation. These casual conversations often lead to unexpected collaborations, as employees from different teams share ideas and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter in their day-to-day work. By creating an environment that encourages these informal exchanges, companies can tap into the collective creativity and problem-solving abilities of their workforce, potentially leading to breakthrough ideas and improved organizational performance.

But don't overdo it. According to a 2019 study, employees who engage with more than 20 coworkers every day struggle to concentrate and report higher levels of stress than those who have more measured social interactions.

When it comes to office small talk, moderation is key.