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It seems office workers would rather email each other than be seen by the boss engaged in idle talk. It is thought modern open plan offices discourage people from taking time out to joke or pass the time of day with their colleagues especially as perceived time wasting could be a quick way to end a promising career. However the end of idle chat in the office is not making workers more productive, as our commentator Lucy Kellaway explains. (Picture: Two women talking in an office Credit: Getty Images)