WFH Depriving Employees Of Chai Breaks And Lunchtime Gossip

Thus, employees are trying to vent out their feelings about their work and life, rather unsuccessfully — virtually instead!

- Sushmita.Jha

They call it ‘water cooler socialising’ in the West. However, in India, the quintessential act of gossiping about employees and superiors often takes place at chai tapris, and the canteen, where coworkers vent their hearts out over steaming cups of chai and shared lunches.

The pandemic, however, has snatched away this element of the worklife. In fact, a recent survey by a real estate consultancy titled ‘Home Away From Home’ revealed that 82 per cent Indian employees miss working from office because of ‘lack of personal interaction’.

With several companies planning to extend WFH, and meetings, conferences and projects, all becoming virtual, is it possible for chai-break and gossip sessions to go digital too? Yes, but it isn’t as satisfying, say employees...

THE EXTENDED GOSSIP SESSIONS DURING TEA AND LUNCH BREAKS

It’s not just the gossiping part of chai breaks, co-workers are missing out on the bonding too. Turns out, their mutual dislike for certain employees and superiors brought them together. “Working together in a team can bring about feelings of belongingness. You share moments, happiness, sadness and lunch boxes, and these things are important to make you feel positive and calm,” says psychologist Vidhisha Ved.