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Is the Lack of Water Cooler Discussions Hurting Learning?
Tom Doescher
For years, my office was at the end of a long hallway. When I was working on a sticky client issue, I’d often look down the hallway to see whose office lights were on. Determining who was around was the first step in helping me identify someone who could help me solve my problem. I would stroll or race down the hallway and barge in on them unannounced, then ask the famous question: Do you have a minute? Usually, they’d respond yes, because they knew that at some time in the future, they would be standing in my doorway. This past year, as I’ve engaged in Zoom, GoToMeeting, and other video tools from my home office, I’ve wondered, Would I call/contact others while working remotely? Unfortunately for me, the answer is probably no.
To make matters worse, I think going forward post-Covid, many businesses are going to have large portions of their workforce continuing to work remotely.
So do we have a systemic problem brewing in professions that depend on knowledge workers?
I’d love to hear from you.
First of all, do you agree there’s a potential problem where professionals working remotely will not ask — and therefore will not receive — important knowledge?
Secondly, have you adopted practices to mitigate the loss of Water Cooler Talk?
I can’t wait to get your feedback.