飲水機是每個辦公室的標配，在飲水機旁邊碰到相熟的同事有時也會停下來聊幾句，這種看似不經意的聊天也可能變成公司發展的“利器”，也就是watercooler effect（飲水機效應）。

Watercooler effect refers to the effect created by two or more employees having an informal, face-to-face conversation, as though at a watercooler. A theory says that people come up with their best ideas when grouped informally.

“飲水機效應”指幾個員工在一起進行的非正式的面對面的談話，就像在飲水機旁的閑聊一樣。有理論稱，人們在非正式的談天小組中能想出最好的創意。

Example:

The president attributed the success to the “watercooler effect” — employees comparing plans among themselves at work.

董事長將這一成功歸功于“飲水機效應”，也就是員工私底下進行方案比較的做法。

（中國日報網英語點津 陳丹妮）