Whether it’s spending a few minutes on Monday rehashing your weekend or going on shopping or gym dates, many adult friendships are forged at work.
That’s a good thing, too, since a 2022 Gallup report showed work friendships not only boost our spirits, they increase productivity and engagement during the workday.
“Most of us spend eight plus hours a day, five days a week, doing our chosen jobs. And, many jobs revolve around a common goal – helping patients, building better processes, educating children. That innate sense of camaraderie easily helps us forge bonds with colleagues,” says Jennifer Ferrand, PsyD, director, Hartford HealthCare Well-Being Department.
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Friend benefits
In the workplace, Gallup shows having a close – or even “best” – friend leaves us:
- More likely to share ideas
- More innovative and creative
- Apt to get more work done in less time
- Less likely to get injured doing your job
- Having more fun and feeling increased job satisfaction
- More productive and creating higher-quality work
- Less likely to feel burnt out or stressed
“This is logical when you think how friends naturally support and encourage each other,” Dr. Ferrand explains. “They talk regularly and communicate better. Plus, they are committed to each other and their shared purpose.”
Like healthy relationships outside of work, workplace friendships can relax and motivate us to do better. When there’s a problem, it’s easier to share and receive feedback with someone you trust.
> Related: What to Do About Work Anxiety: A Therapist’s Top 3 Tips
Business benefits
Workplace friendships and camaraderie benefit the employer, too, Dr. Ferrand notes. For example, she says businesses can realize:
- Lower employee turnover
- Improved employee satisfaction
- Fewer sick days taken
- Drop in safety incidents (36% less, according to Gallup)
- Increase in customer engagement and profits
“Work friendships tend to improve our ability to strike a work-life balance as we experience some socialization while at work,” Dr. Ferrand says. “This is key because with the millions who left the workplace during and after the pandemic, we can see that people are not working just for a paycheck any longer. They want and need more from their work days.”
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Fostering friendship
There are many ways employers and managers can create an environment that helps colleagues forge friendships, starting with being interested in their lives outside of work. This atmosphere, Dr. Ferrand says, shows value for social bonding.
Other tips include:
- Be less formal. While projects and deadlines definitely need attention, it doesn’t mean you can’t be creative with structure. For example, try lightening up meetings when possible. Try a walking meeting on a nice day. The simple act of being outdoors and walking relaxes people, allowing their creative juices to flow.
- Ask questions. In one to one meetings, try asking about their lives in general. If you see something telling – like a gym bag or takeout container advertising a restaurant, ask about it. Knowing what someone enjoys can help you understand what motivates them.
- Try team building activities. This doesn’t have to be organized or during the work day. Suggest an outing after work on a Friday or schedule a monthly potluck lunch.
- High-five. Give recognition freely. Try sharing something on LinkedIn about your team as a surprise.