Improve Work Cultures Through Friendships at Work

Posted On: Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Years ago, when my then-company asked employees to take Gallup’s engagement survey, I was surprised by one of the questions: “I have a best friend at work.” I wondered why that mattered in a work culture. When I became a better leader because of a work friendship, I understood. However, some executives have been slow to see the value and relevance of friendship in the workplace in spite of  positive business outcomes.

Friends at work can happen organically. However, it can happen more often and faster – with greater benefit to the company — if friendships are supported by a company’s work culture. For me, it happened organically. New to the company, I met another department head hired a month before me. As we gained our footing, we became sounding boards for each other around our respective work. That support enabled us both to accomplish more and feel more a part of the company. Over time we developed a strong friendship. Having a best friend at work mattered.

Gallup’s’ research repeatedly demonstrates having a best friend at work improves productivity, engagement and other measures. In an October 2022 article “The Power of Work Friends” Gallup CEO Jon Clifton argues:

“If increased productivity, profitability, job satisfaction, and retention aren’t enough, Gallup’s latest findings show that since the pandemic, having a best friend at work has an even greater impact on important outcomes — like workers’ likelihood to recommend their workplace, intent to leave, and overall satisfaction.”

Ongoing statistics about loneliness in the workplace and working remotely support the value of work friends. In 2020, I wrote about the impact of loneliness using Cigna’s research. Whether working in the office or at home, loneliness, exacerbated by the challenges of the last three years, negatively impacts well-being and productivity. This is where a company’s culture, values and purpose help shape how people interact. Team leaders and managers are important in setting the tone. A work culture intentional about values where employees feel supported is a great place to work.

Many companies, guided by their company’s work culture, have been increasing personal connection. It’s harder to create ways in which teams and groups can get to know each other better around projects or socially. However, it’s essential. According to Gallup, the answer to “I have a best friend at work” predicts performance: “When employees have a deep sense of affiliation with their team members, they take positive actions that benefit the business….”

The challenge is that many employees don’t have a best friend at work. Additional Gallup research indicates that:

“Globally, three in 10 employees strongly agree that they have a best friend at work. By moving that ratio to six in 10, organizations could realize 28% fewer safety incidents, 5% higher customer engagement scores and 10% higher profit.”

Friendship at work and its positive outcomes are similar to the research findings of former Wharton professor Sigal Barsade. Barsade found that employees who experience kindness, caring and feeling supported are more productive, perform better and feel more loyalty to their company.  It’s also a reminder of what’s possible when someone feels valued at work.

Greek philosopher Epicurus (born 5^th century BC) said about friendship: “It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the confidence of their help.”

Gael O’Brien is a catalyst for leaders leading with purpose and impact. She is an executive coach with a corporate and public affairs background. Gael is President of Strategic Opportunities Group.

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