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Andrew Hill

Why we need the water cooler

The casual and spontaneous conversation that comes from teams and colleagues milling around the "water cooler" is impossible to replicate online.

Andrew HillContributor

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Everyone is signalling the demise of the water cooler, so it is worth asking what we will lose if we have to join a socially distanced queue for a beverage at work. Assuming that we, or the water cooler itself for that matter, will be allowed back into the office.

One potential victim is the catalyst for creativity that the casual gathering round the water dispenser provides.

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Financial Times

Andrew Hill is an associate editor and the management editor of the Financial Times. He is a former City editor, financial editor and comment and analysis editor.

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/why-we-need-the-water-cooler-20200527-p54x03