Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#1

Post by happycipher » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:24 PM UTC

Considering it's been 6 months since most office workers have started WFH, this is a question I've been thinking on.

Of course, remote work has many benefits such as cutting down on commute times, being able to work at your own schedule, and less office distractions. But one thing I find sorely lacking & so far irreplaceable is the spontaneous interactions that used to happen. You know, water cooler talk, catching up with a friend you run into, side conversations before a meeting etc.

I was toying around with the idea of an app that can help you "bump into" your coworkers again, but only when you're on break & want to chat. I was curious if people even had this problem in the first place?

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#2

Post by sarcasmatwork » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:32 PM UTC

No. The open office environment was very annoying.

So I got some good noise canceling headphones and all was right for awhile until people start waving their hand in front of your face. ;-/

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#3

Post by trashymctrash » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:34 PM UTC

Maybe check out https://www.wonder.me/? Seems like it could be useful

Some people at my company are using it, but I don't miss the watercooler talk that much, so I haven't tried it

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#4

Post by happycipher » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:36 PM UTC

sarcasmatwork wrote: post #2

No. The open office environment was very annoying. So I got some good noise canceling headphones and all was right for awhile until people start waving their hand in front of your face. ;-/

Haha, I appreciate the candor! I definitely do like the tranquility now a days when I'm deep in code as well.

Just out of curiosity, would your answer also apply in moments when you wanted to take a break (ie got away from the desk, took a walk etc)?

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#5

Post by mtmail » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:37 PM UTC

Duplicate question https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24664221 The guidelines ask for "Please don't delete and repost." but I think that also applies to asking the same question within 2 hours.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#6

Post by FailMore » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:37 PM UTC

I built a social network for conversations during the lonely lockdown: https://taaalk.co. The conversations are typically about a subject (e.g. mental health, bitcoin, etc.). Anyone can start one and/or you can leave your details to Taaalk with others/request to Taaalk with someone who has left their details.

Please enjoy :). Always interested in feedback. Email in bio.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#7

Post by happycipher » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:40 PM UTC

trashymctrash wrote: post #3

Maybe check out https://www.wonder.me/ ? Seems like it could be useful Some people at my company are using it, but I don't miss the watercooler talk that much, so I haven't tried it

Hey, this link is super interesting thanks so much for linking it! I really like their concept of a spatial dimension to meeting people virtually (reminds me a bit of onlinetown).

For the purposes of "breaks" though, considering all the zoom fatigue that people face, I was thinking of something that pairs people together for a more hands-free interaction (like audio or phone call) which allows people to actually walk around or brew coffee or whatever, just like when they're on break in a physical office.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#8

Post by sarcasmatwork » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:41 PM UTC

happycipher wrote: post #4

sarcasmatwork wrote: post #2

No. The open office environment was very annoying. So I got some good noise canceling headphones and all was right for awhile until people start waving their hand in front of your face. ;-/

Haha, I appreciate the candor! I definitely do like the tranquility now a days when I'm deep in code as well. Just out of curiosity, would your answer also apply in moments when you wanted to take a break (ie got away from the desk, took a walk etc)?

Nah, those off the wall conversations where nice. I do miss them.

Walking with people after lunch bs'ing about whatever was always enriching for me.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#9

Post by happycipher » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:41 PM UTC

mtmail wrote: post #5

Duplicate question https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24664221 The guidelines ask for "Please don't delete and repost." but I think that also applies to asking the same question within 2 hours.

Hey there! I am the same poster from before and I apologize for the initial post. I think that post got suppressed by HN for some reason. I suspect it's because it somehow spiked up 5 upvotes and I fear they thought I linked it to people or used bots or something.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone else miss spontaneous conversations at work?

#10

Post by dang » Fri, Oct 02, 2020, 6:41 PM UTC

mtmail wrote: post #5

Duplicate question https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24664221 The guidelines ask for "Please don't delete and repost." but I think that also applies to asking the same question within 2 hours.

They didn't delete it, so it didn't break that guideline. Probably best not to repost Ask HN questions so quickly though.