According to a new KPMG study, fostering workplace friendships is critical to employees’ mental well-being and job satisfaction. The report explored the views of 1,000 full-time, professional employees to understand their perspectives on friendships at work. “Genuine friendships between coworkers is the secret sauce to establishing a workplace culture that’s not only defined by collaboration and teamwork, but also by authentic engagement, a deep sense of care and respect, and, maybe most underappreciated—fun,” said Sandy Torchia, KPMG U.S. Vice Chair of Talent and Culture.
Given the widespread loneliness epidemic, workplace friendships are even more crucial. The 2024 State of the Global Workplace report by Gallup finds that one in five employees worldwide feels lonely at work. Let’s look at the importance of human connection and how friendships at work benefit employees as well as the organization.
Workplace Friendships Boost Job Satisfaction
Many employees relied on emotional and social support from friends at work to get through the challenges of the pandemic. Since then, building social relationships in the workplace has become more important than ever. Employees who cultivate relationships at work have a more fun and satisfying experience. In a SHRM survey, 85% of U.S. employees who have close friends at work say the friendships have positively impacted their careers. In addition, 86% of those who have close work friends are significantly more likely to experience job satisfaction than those without workplace friendships.
Workplace Friendships Encourage Innovation
Workplace friendships also break up mundane work habits, which boosts innovation. A study published in Current Psychology found a positive link between friendship prevalence and innovative behavior. In another study from the University of Bath’s School of Management, supportive friendships between coworkers were found to be the key to unlocking resourcefulness and original thought. These results make sense, given that creativity and collaboration flourish in environments where relationships are fostered. When employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and opinions, they are more likely to devise innovative solutions to problems.
Workplace Friendships Increase Employee Engagement
Gallup data shows that people who strongly agree to have a best friend at work are seven times as engaged. Marissa King, a Yale management professor, adds, “The research is pretty clear that workplace friendships have enormous benefits. Having social support from coworkers reduces stress, helps reduce burnout, improves efficiency and productivity, and increases employee engagement.” Currently, only about one-third of U.S. employees are actively engaged at work. These results may provide the incentive employers need to encourage genuine workplace connections.
Workplace Friendships Help Career Development
Having trusted friends at work makes it easier to network so you can explore learning opportunities and other ways to develop your skills. Workplace friends can also turn into mentors who can share valuable insights and advice. That way, you can make more informed career choices and avoid potential pitfalls. Learning is also more engaging in a group setting with people you enjoy being around. Learning in groups allows for diverse perspectives and builds collaboration skills. Finally, having friends at work can make it easier to be recognized for your contributions. Having additional visibility enhances your reputation, which increases your chances of being considered for promotions and high-profile assignments.
Workplace Friendships Drive Business Outcomes
In addition to driving employee engagement, development, job satisfaction and creativity, workplace friendships are strongly linked to business outcomes. According to Gallup, some of these include retention, profitability, inventory control, and safety. Employees with positive workplace experiences are more likely to stay with the organization. When retention increases, organizations save the potential costs associated with replacing an employee.
The Gallup findings also show that employees who have a friend at work are more likely to:
- Enjoy work
- Support a safe office space
- Innovate and exchange ideas
- Work efficiently and productively
- Engage client and internal stakeholders
There is no longer a clear divide between work and home life, which makes workplace friendships more important than ever. Don’t underestimate the value of these relationships. Fostering human connection at work can strategically benefit employees and the organization. So, whether you work in-office, hybrid or remotely, make time to connect with colleagues. You’ll benefit from a thriving workplace and a greater sense of purpose that feeds your soul as well as your bank account.