The power of Workplace Friendships

What drives you to go to work? For most people it’s to make money, gain a sense of achievement or to contribute to society one way or the other. But when it’s a cold and rainy day, and you’re sleep deprived, research suggests that what actually drives you to go to work, is your colleagues.

Workplace friendships are usually built through shared experiences within the organizations, and many times they are built over shared misery. In cases of toxic work environments, colleagues have been known to “trauma bond” over mutual negative experiences. Which ironically leads to higher retention rates as employees feel they have a support system which they don’t want to relinquish.

But workplace friendships don’t just occur due to toxic environments, even in enjoyable and positive cultures, peoples still prefer having someone to complain to about mundane tasks, unqualified leaders or even just a bad day. Because after all, your colleagues are the only people who really understand what your job is like. Sharing jokes or memes with someone you work with can reduce stress and result in a highest engagement in the workplace.

However, the benefits of having workplace friends go beyond that, it’s been linked to long-term business success and profitability. When leaders encourage employees to build friendships, it results in a much more cohesive work environment with satisfied employees who remain in their roles for long periods of time.

In order to increase employee satisfaction even more, it’s important for leaders to create a culture where employees are able to be themselves completely at work, and they are encouraged to connect with their colleagues over mutual interests. The result is a workplace filled with comfortable and happy employees.

Why leaders should encourage workplace friendships:

1. Having friends at work increases inclusion and promotes a more synchronized workplace

2. Workers with friends are good for business and they are more likely to recommend their employer to others

3. More engaged, satisfied and motivated employees

4. Improved collaboration and teamwork

5. Improved mental wellbeing of employees as they have someone to talk to

How can leaders encourage workplace friendships:

1. Make company values and culture well known and visible

2. Create a sense of belonging for all groups

3. Make it easy to celebrate achievements and occasions

4. Keep information available and flowing between teams

5. Think of your organization as a community

6. Give everyone a voice to express their concerns

7. Challenge traditional frameworks that result in workplace silos

8. Hire authentic passionate leaders that will motivate and engage the employees