Office watercooler moments have gotten a factor of the previous, examine claims
A survey of 2,000 employees revealed that they are more likely to have a chinwag with their colleagues in the office car park (15%) or lift (14%).
But regardless of where these personal exchanges occur, a behavioural neuroscientist says it’s crucial for productivity.
The study was conducted by Jakemans to emphasise the positive effect conversations have on enhancing employee morale and focusing them on the week ahead.
Dr Lynda Shaw, a behavioural neuroscientist, leadership psychologist and spokesperson for Jakesman, stated: “After a weekend of activities with family and friends, it’s helpful to get our heads into ‘work-mode’ on Monday morning.”
“This means those seemingly ‘unimportant’ conversations are actually extremely important to ensure we have the opportunity to download our thoughts with someone willing to be a sounding board.”
“Of course, this should be a mutual exercise, and once achieved we can get on with work. Working from home means we need those Monday morning conversations even more, so, making sure we have them with others, even online, means we will feel far more motivated.”
When starting the working week, 64% prefer to catch up with their work friends before diving into Monday’s tasks.
A recent revelation shows that nearly eight out of 10 working adults view their colleagues as ‘friends’ outside the office and a whopping 86% believe it’s crucial to maintain good personal relationships with their co-workers.
Interestingly, two in five (22%) stay connected with their work buddies over the weekend and a significant 73% regularly engage in text or WhatsApp chats, while one quarter (26%) meet up face-to-face.
Coffee break chit-chats (31%), shared office lunches (25%) and having a giggle over common challenges (24%) are the office moments that employees relish sharing with their colleagues.
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, spokesperson for Jakemans, commented: “Our relationships and conversations are what boosts our morale for the week ahead.”
“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.”
“What’s evident from the research is the significance of keeping our voices in prime condition, meaning you don’t have to miss out on the motivation that these conversations bring.”
“Like any part of our bodies, it’s crucial to look after our voice, particularly in the upcoming months where sore throats and coughs will likely increase in the office.”
DR LYNDA 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.
