Today I’ve decided to tackle a subject that’s obviously proving divisive, given the discussions I’ve had recently on the subject: that of socialization at
It’s often said that the workplace is a place for socializing, or at least it should be.
What could be more normal than not to socialize at work? It’s a mark of politeness, a sign of interest in others, even the only way to make the office a livable place, or even to survive in it.
Socializing is a prerequisite for collaboration, for “working together”. But are we sure? I’ve long wondered whether collaboration requires, if not emotion, at least the existence of interpersonal bonds, and an empirical assessment of my experience has led me to revise my initial prejudice on this point (Is good collaboration technical or emotional?)