The Rise Of Office Peacocking: What It Means For Your Workplace & Why It's Trending? Explained

Office Peacocking: This practice has been around in the corporate world for some time but is experiencing a resurgence in 2024

Office Peacocking: In 2024, the trend of 'office peacocking' has taken off in workplaces across various industries as companies try to entice employees back to the office. This concept involves transforming traditional office spaces into appealing environments that encourage staff to spend more time on-site.

What is Office Peacocking?

The work-from-home (WFH) culture saw a substantial increase in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, as numerous organisations switched to remote work to ensure business continuity and protect employee health. However, as we move into the post-Covid era, many companies are shifting away from fully remote work and gradually inviting employees back to the office. To make the return more appealing, businesses are enhancing office environments with stylish decor, well-stocked kitchens, and ergonomic furniture. This practice, known as office peacocking, has been around for some time but is experiencing a resurgence in 2024.

Employers are redesigning workspaces with plush sofas, cozy corners, ample natural light, and an abundance of plants to create a vibrant, lounge-style atmosphere. Some firms have also invested in stylish decor and fully stocked kitchens to enhance the appeal of the workplace.

According to Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs, major companies have implemented these measures following pushback from employees after the return-to-office (RTO) mandates. "We just passed the fourth anniversary of the pandemic, and many employers still haven’t given up on trying to return to pre-pandemic policies," Weishaupt told Forbes.

He said that data indicates many employees are willing to sacrifice pay for workplace flexibility, as 62 per cent would accept a pay cut of 10 per cent or more to maintain a hybrid work model. Weishaupt also observed that employees are looking for ways to escape the artificial trappings of 'office peacocking'.

What is coffee badging?

Additionally, another emerging trend in offices is 'coffee badging', where employees make brief, often symbolic visits to the office solely for coffee breaks, giving the impression that they are actively working on-site. This practice is seen as a response to the resistance against recent return-to-office mandates.

Despite the growing popularity of office peacocking, experts caution that the trend may have negative implications. Junior employees and freshers may feel increased pressure to adhere to the return-to-office façade in the hopes of securing career opportunities and gaining favour with their superiors. This perceived need to be visible in the office could lead to long-term issues, such as burnout and decreased job satisfaction.

Overall, while office peacocking may seem like an innovative approach to attract employees back to the workplace, companies must balance its benefits with potential drawbacks to ensure a sustainable and supportive work environment for all employees.