#67 Making Small Talk with Colleagues｜English Business Phrases

In the workplace, having light conversations with colleagues during breaks can improve communication and create a more positive team atmosphere.

When engaging in small talk in English, there is no need to use difficult expressions. Starting with familiar topics such as the weather, workload, or weekend plans is usually the best approach.

In this article, I introduce practical ways to start casual conversations with colleagues and useful English expressions for keeping the conversation going naturally.

Dialogue

A

Hey, how’s your day going

B

Pretty good, just a bit busy this morning. How about you?

A

Same here. I’ve had back-to-back meetings since 9 a.m.

B

That sounds exhausting. Do you get a break this afternoon?

A

I think so. I’m planning to grab a coffee later.

B

Nice. Let me know if you want some company.

1. Starting a Casual Conversation

When talking to a colleague, it is often easier to begin with a light comment rather than going straight into work-related topics.

This expression is useful because it can refer both to how work is progressing and how the person is feeling. It is neither too formal nor too casual, making it suitable for many workplace situations.

It is also helpful to understand the nuance of similar expressions:

Choosing the right expression depends on your relationship with the colleague and the atmosphere of the workplace.

2. Talking Lightly About Being Busy

When mentioning how busy you are, it is best not to sound overly negative. Keeping the tone light helps maintain a relaxed conversation.

Adding “just a bit” softens the statement and suggests that things are manageable. It is useful when you want to share your situation without sounding like you are complaining.

Other useful alternatives include:

In small talk, choosing expressions that do not sound too heavy makes it easier for the conversation to continue.

3. Showing Empathy with Simple Reactions

When a colleague talks about their workload or situation, responding with a short reaction helps keep the conversation flowing.

Using the pattern “sound + adjective” allows you to express empathy briefly and naturally.

Common variations include:

Even a short response like this shows that you are listening and engaged in the conversation.

4. Asking Questions to Keep the Conversation Going

To continue small talk, it is important to ask questions that are easy to answer.

The phrase “get a break” means to take a short rest and is commonly used in workplace conversations.

Sharing your own plans afterward helps create a natural flow:

“Grab a coffee” is a very casual expression and works well in small talk. In more formal situations, you can use “have a coffee” instead.

Summary