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May Sweeps Brings Office Chatter

It always seems to be “that time of year,” doesn’t it? Whether it’s the winter holidays, March Madness or even wedding season, everyone refers to it as “that time of year.” And now, here we are again at “that time of year.” Not only is it graduation season for college and high school students, and the point in time when Spring Fever really starts to kick in – it’s also time for May Sweeps!

What do May Sweeps, when our favorite TV shows and series come to a close with nail-biting season finales, have to do with work? Well – a lot, actually.

U.S. workers are talking about television at work more than ever, according to the latest Spherion Workplace Snapshot survey. Forty percent of workers say talking about television at work increases office camaraderie.

American Idol is the most talked about TV show in the workplace for the third year in a row, with 33 percent of workers chatting about the contestants and their song choices. Seventeen percent of workers discuss Idol on company time and 9 percent engage in debates about the contestants with co-workers, according to the survey.

This year’s two most talked about shows were American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. In 2007, workers discussed American Idol and Grey’s Anatomy the most, and in 2006, it was American Idol and Lost.

Here’s how other popular TV shows ranked among watercooler chatter:

  • Dancing with the Stars – 15%
  • Lost – 13%
  • CSI – 10%
  • Grey’s Anatomy – 7%
  • The Office – 6%
  • Law & Order – 6%
  • Heroes – 5%
  • 24 – 4%
  • Big Brother – 4%
  • America’s Next Top Model – 2%

When it comes to gender, 36 perent of women named Idol the most discussed TV program and 21 percent named Dancing with the Stars. Among men, 30 percent also rate American Idol as the most talked about show at work, and 15 percent rate Lost as such.

Surprisingly, workers age 65 and older were more likely than any other age group to discuss American Idol more than any other show in the workplace, with 42 percent stating so. Workers age 50 and older (42 percent) rated Dancing with the Stars as most watched.

So, gather round the watercooler tomorrow morning and gabbing about your favorite Idol finalist!

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