The shift from shared pots to solo takeout at our shop

We used to have a big electric kettle in the break room where everyone would heat up soups or make instant coffee. Now, with the new schedule, most guys grab a burger from the diner across the street and eat in their cars. I remember when old Joe would bring in his famous beef stew every Friday, and we'd all share. Those shared meals made the long shifts feel shorter.

3 comments

3 Comments

averymartin20h ago

Yeah, saw an article a while back about how flexible schedules, while great for some stuff, really mess with those unplanned team moments. It said when people aren't all clocking in and out together, those natural break times just vanish. So the shared coffee pot or a potluck like Joe's stew just doesn't happen anymore, everyone's on their own clock. Makes the whole place feel more like a bunch of individuals instead of a group.

jones.nancy18h ago

Referencing "bunch of individuals," does management even notice this shift or care?

carr.elliot18h ago

Seriously! Management is always slow to notice this stuff until morale tanks. You have to be super intentional now and plan virtual coffee chats or team lunches. Otherwise it totally does just feel like a bunch of people doing separate jobs.