A recent study shows that 74% of employees find it hard to engage in casual conversations at work, especially among younger generations.
London: It seems like the art of small talk at the office is fading away. A new study found that younger workers, especially Gen Z, prefer chatting online rather than face-to-face. Can you believe that 74% of employees struggle to make small talk in places like the kitchen or elevator?
Almost half of those surveyed, about 48%, admitted they’d rather use apps like WhatsApp or Teams, even if they’re sitting right next to the person. It’s wild! Overall, 27% feel more at ease communicating online than in person.
When you break it down by age, 40% of Gen Z feels this way, compared to 33% of Millennials and 24% of Gen X. It’s like they’re saying it’s a whole new language to learn, especially with remote work becoming the norm.
Interestingly, 27% of young adults feel bad for newcomers who never had to master the art of chit-chat. Anna Beheshti from Tilda pointed out that with hybrid work, we’re missing out on those daily social interactions we used to have.
She mentioned that while some people are naturally good at conversation, it’s those little exchanges that help build confidence and relationships. Plus, they’re good for our mental health!
Anna’s company is even trying to bring back those “water cooler” moments with quick two-minute chats over lunch. It’s all about reconnecting in 2025.
Surprisingly, 28% of people avoid the kitchen just to dodge a conversation. And 13% who do go in just microwave their food and leave until it’s done. It’s a bit sad, really.
But here’s the kicker: 38% of folks say chatting with coworkers actually boosts their mood and wellbeing. A good chat can make you feel relaxed and happy, which is why 51% believe small talk is key to better communication and morale at work.
Looking ahead to 2025, 22% of people want to be more sociable, especially younger employees. They know that getting to know someone better can really help build confidence and make things easier at work.
Even BBC Radio 1 presenter Melvin Odoom shared his thoughts on this. He’s teamed up with Tilda to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and connect with others. He gets nervous too, but he believes that starting a conversation can lead to great friendships.
So, if you’re feeling shy, just remember: the other person might be just as nervous. Taking that first step can make all the difference!
