Small talk dying out as young prefer to chat online

THE art of office small talk is dying out as younger workers prefer communicating online, according to research.

- Vicky Duncan

Three in four workers struggle to make light chit-chat in the kitchen or lift at work.

Nearly half admit to using messaging services such as WhatsApp, Teams or email even if they are sitting near the recipient, claiming it is more convenient.

Overall, 27% are more comfortable communicating online than in person.

But this rises to 40% for Generation Z - those born since the late 1990s who are now in their mid-20s or younger.

And for those who reached working age during the pandemic, office small talk is "like learning a new language", according to the poll of 2,000 employed adults.