Desk-Bombing in Workplace: Pros, Cons, and How to Manage It

Written by: Kairav Negi, Moitrayee Das

Quiet quitting, coffee badging, quiet firing, etc., may all seem like trends and concepts that have recently emerged in the workplace (with Gen-Z having joined the workforce not too long ago). Desk-bombing is another such term that can be added to this list. In essence, desk-bombing at the workplace refers to showing up at someone’s office or desk (generally a colleague you work with) and starting a conversation, without any prior notice or scheduled meeting (theHRDIRECTOR, 2022). With the introduction of hybrid and online work modes, desk-bombing can also be digital or virtual, i.e., via messages, calls, and video calls (Manbansh, 2025). Amidst all these terms, desk-bombing is yet another reflection of how workplace language continues to evolve in recent times.

Though like the plethora of other recent Gen-Z lingo, desk-bombing may also be a relatively new term, its very concept is in no way novel. It is a phenomenon that has existed since time immemorial in the workplace, with some people preferring it. As per a LinkedIn survey, about 62 percent of Gen-Z professionals believe that desk-bombing is a great icebreaker and way to start a conversation with colleagues (Srivastav, 2023).

However, others have also given mixed reviews about this phenomenon. For instance, some Gen-Z employees who have recently joined the workforce reported that although they generally have feelings of apprehension that they are missing out on information or experiences (also commonly known as FOMO, or fear of missing out, in Gen-Z lingo) when they are not being desk-bombed, they also experience times when this hinders their work, creativity, and space (Pandey, 2023). Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that different individuals have different preferences, and these preferences might also change on different occasions.

There are a plethora of reasons why people engage in desk-bombing. Employees might often desk-bomb because they feel approaching their colleagues directly can cut down on delays and lead to urgent clarifications (especially when working on tight deadlines), or conversely, they might simply want to procrastinate and pass their time (as a means of distracting themselves), or they might just be heavily and overly dependent on their colleagues (Manbansh, 2025).

Those who happen to be at the receiving end of desk-bombing can use different strategies and tactics to deal with desk-bombers, particularly if they don’t like being desk-bombed, or on the days they don’t feel like engaging with desk-bombers. For instance, one can set clear and well-defined boundaries and expectations with the desk-bomber. Another way is a three-step process that entails: simply identifying the desk-bomber who aggravates you most, recognizing the specific emotions they provoke, and using them as a mirror to reflect on personal growth and career goals (Apristianto, 2024). Therefore, it is crucial for every employee to understand, acknowledge, and know what their respective needs are, so that they understand their own boundaries for themselves and communicate these with their colleagues.

The phenomenon of desk-bombing is not inherently bad. In fact, it comes with its own set of benefits. Offices should promote desk-bombing to an appropriate level, as it can help build relationships, help colleagues have meaningful and deep conversations, allow employees to act spontaneously, and even deal with professional isolation (Martin, 2023). Apart from the aforementioned benefits, there are other advantages to desk-bombing. For instance, desk-bombing is a means of taking a break from the stressors and demands of work; it has added mental (reducing feelings of anxiety) as well as physical health benefits (enhancing circulation and reducing the risk of illnesses that come with a desk-bound job), and it can also help with employees’ concentration and productivity (Suri & Arora, 2024).

With this being established, desk-bombing also has its set of cons. For example, studies have revealed that on average, employees are interrupted within every four minutes, wherein, though the interruption may last for only a few seconds, it takes about 23 minutes or more to refocus, and the cost to German companies for this comes to about A$98 billion per year (Woodard, 2023). Desk-bombing can also be viewed as invasive, overstimulating, distracting, rude, and it is not everyone’s cup of tea, as it can hamper people’s quality of work and waste their time (Dib, 2023). Therefore, it is important to weigh both the pros and cons of desk-bombing when engaging in the activity.

There is no hard and fast rule about whether desk-bombing should or should not be done. Instead, the focus should be on increasing the benefits and minimizing the drawbacks. Employers can help by setting aside separate time slots for socializing via communal breaks; employees can make better use of digital tools (like Microsoft Teams) by making clear their slots of availability (when it comes to digital desk-bombing); managers can also set an example for their teams by making sure that they acknowledge and respect their employees’ personal and professionally busy time, and employers can also aid employees in using time and productivity-efficient techniques (Livingstone, 2023).

There are a few other business techniques that can be implemented to ensure respectful and appropriate desk-bombing. Businesses should ensure that employees are reminded that despite the presence of informal methods (like desk-bombing), formal protocol and professionalism need to also be maintained; they should incorporate team-building exercises to help employees that face social anxiety (especially when approached unannounced) and also sensitize desk-bombers for the same, and they should also ensure that work emails are established and being made use of, so as not to put any employee on the spot, which happens to be the case in desk-bombing (Bdaily Premium, 2022). Desk-bombing itself isn’t inherently good or bad; rather, it is how it’s executed that determines its impact. Clear communication and respecting boundaries are key to ensuring it fosters collaboration without disrupting productivity. Ultimately, by balancing spontaneity with professionalism, workplaces can make desk-bombing a tool for connection rather than a source of frustration.

References

1. Apristianto, Y. (2024, July 2). Are you or anyone in your team a desk-bomber? Mekari. https://mekari.com/en/monday-mavens/desk-bomber/

2. Bdaily Premium. (2022, November 25). Business tips to combat ‘desk bombing.’ Bdaily Business News. https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2022/11/25/business-tips-to-combat-desk-bombing

3. “Desk bombing” and other need-to-know terms for 2023. (2022, December 25). theHRDIRECTOR. https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/employee-engagement/desk-bombing-need-know-terms-2023/

4. Dib, A. (2023, February 9). Is ‘desk-bombing’ your co-workers rude? The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/is-desk-bombing-your-coworkers-rude-20230202-p5chlh.html

5. Livingstone, P. (2023, September 15). Blog—The Impact of “Desk-Bombing” in the Workplace. Redline Group. https://www.redlinegroup.com/insight-details/the-impact-of-desk-bombing-in-the-workplace

6. Manbansh, R. (2025, January 17). Are you being desk-bombed? Here’s all that you can do! ETHRWorld. https://hrme.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace/are-you-being-desk-bombed-heres-all-that-you-can-do/117300792

7. Martin, G. (2023, September 4). Why Desk Bombing Can Have Explosive Benefits. Australian Institute of Management. https://aimwa.com/wctm/people/culture/why-desk-bombing-can-have-explosive-benefits/

8. Pandey, N. (2023, March 23). Desk-bombing and more—Why Gen Z loves going to office. CNBCTV18. https://www.cnbctv18.com/education/desk-bombing-and-more--why-gen-z-loves-going-to-office-16248701.htm

9. Srivastav, U. (2023, March 27). Desk bombing, loud leaving, monk mode among emerging workplace trends. Business Standard. https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/desk-bombing-loud-leaving-monk-mode-among-emerging-workplace-trends-123032700329_1.html

10. Suri, R. K., & Arora, S. (2024, May 1). Desk Bombing. TalktoAngel. https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/desk-bombing

11. Woodard, A. (2023, October 6). Interruption cost: How desk bombing affects productivity. INTHEBLACK. https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/careers-and-workplace/how-desk-bombing-affects-productivity

Kairav Negi is an undergraduate student, and Moitrayee Das is an assistant professor of Psychology, both at FLAME University, Pune.