Article: Work BFFs: The secret to boosting office output

Culture

By Gabriela Paz Y MiñoAug, 21 2024 @1:05pm IST

Having a good friend at work is like finding that final piece of a jigsaw puzzle – everything just clicks into place. When you’ve got someone to chat with about the little things, share a laugh, or blow off steam when life gets heavy, it transforms the daily grind into something more meaningful.

Asking a “silly” question becomes less daunting when you know there’s a friendly face at the next desk who won’t judge. In the hours we spend tethered to our desks, it’s only natural that friendships and bonds will flourish. What was once frowned upon as unprofessional is now recognised as a secret ingredient to heightened productivity.

Why having a best friend at work powers up productivity

The concept of having a best friend at work is gaining momentum as its profound impact on employee well-being and productivity becomes clear. The age-old notion of keeping personal and professional lives in separate silos is being challenged by the tangible benefits that strong workplace friendships bring. Recent studies underscore how these relationships are not just a “nice to have” but a cornerstone of enhanced morale, collaboration, and job satisfaction.

Gallup’s research consistently shows that having a best friend at work isn’t just a perk – it’s a key driver of employee engagement and success. Their data reveals a strong link between workplace friendships and improved business outcomes, such as profitability, safety, inventory control, and employee retention.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the bond between having a best friend at work and positive outcomes like an employee’s likelihood to recommend their workplace, their intent to stay, and overall satisfaction has only grown stronger.

Shockingly, more than 300 million people globally lack even a single close friend, according to Gallup data. Given that the average person spends over 81,000 hours – more than nine years – at work, the workplace has become a critical arena for forming friendships. Yet, companies invest the least in promoting social well-being among their employees, despite the clear benefits.

When employees find a best friend at work, collaboration and communication can blossom. Trust and familiarity are the glue that holds effective teamwork together, allowing ideas to flow freely and feedback to be shared without fear. These bonds foster a culture of innovation and mutual support, where the team’s success is the common goal.

In today’s world of remote and hybrid work, having a best friend at work can act as an anchor, keeping employees connected, informed, and engaged. It’s like having a partner to navigate the waters of change – someone to ask the “dumb” questions, stay in the loop, and keep the team spirit alive, even from afar.

From loneliness to laughter: The impact of work BFFs

Workplace friendships also serve as a pressure valve, helping to release the stress that builds up in demanding environments. Having a confidant to share the highs and lows with can be the difference between burning out and staying balanced. Friends provide not just emotional support, but practical help as well, guiding each other through challenges and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

For instance, during particularly heavy workloads, having a best friend at work means you’re more likely to go the extra mile – not just for the job, but because you don’t want to let your friend down. This sense of accountability can lead to increased job satisfaction and a reduction in stress, making the tough days easier to bear.

Employees who cultivate strong friendships at work are also less likely to jump ship. The emotional ties and sense of community created by these relationships can significantly reduce turnover. Companies that recognise and nurture these bonds often see higher retention rates and a more stable workforce.

A best friend at work isn’t just a pleasant addition to the workday; it’s a catalyst for individual and team performance. The encouragement and motivation drawn from these relationships push employees to reach their full potential. Friends at work are more likely to hold each other accountable, striving for excellence and driving up productivity as a result.

The increasing importance of having a best friend at work is a trend that can’t be ignored. These relationships lift morale, improve communication, and boost performance, all while reducing stress and improving retention. By cultivating a workplace culture that encourages and supports friendships, organisations can create a more positive, productive, and loyal workforce.

As highlighted in the book Blind Spot: The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It, loneliness is an all-too-common affliction. In the U.S., two in ten workers spend much of their day feeling lonely. Companies that prioritise their workers’ social well-being and offer opportunities to forge friendships at work could be the antidote to the epidemic of loneliness, significantly boosting employee satisfaction and business outcomes.

How friendships at work create a winning culture

Having a best friend at work can transform the workplace from a sea of strangers into a supportive community. Employees who form close bonds with their colleagues are more likely to feel valued, leading to higher job satisfaction and commitment. This connection provides a sense of belonging, making the workplace more enjoyable and less isolating.

Despite the common claim that “people are our greatest asset,” many executives expect employees to check their personal lives at the door. However, Gallup’s data clearly shows that having a best friend at work is strongly linked to improved business outcomes, including profitability, safety, inventory control, and employee retention.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Minnesota found that close friendships boost workplace productivity because friends are more committed, communicate better, and encourage each other. The study explored group processes such as information sharing, morale building, and cooperation, revealing that groups of friends outperformed groups of acquaintances in decision-making and tasks due to their higher levels of commitment and collaboration. In particular, critical appraisal and task monitoring significantly improved decision-making, while positive communication strengthened the link between friendship and performance.

Moreover, interpersonal work relationships have a profound positive effect on job satisfaction.

Whether your workplace is fully in person, fully remote, or hybrid, cultivating a culture that prioritises and encourages friendships is beneficial for both employees and the bottom line. Here are some steps managers can take to create and maintain a friendship-friendly workplace:

Establish a buddy system

Pair new hires with veteran employees to fast-track onboarding and boost productivity. Frequent interactions are key – for example, Microsoft found that new hires who met with their buddy more than eight times in their first 90 days felt more productive.

Increase face time

Before the pandemic, work was a hub for casual social interactions. Building friendships requires face-to-face (or virtual face-to-face) time. Business leaders should lead by example, communicating more in person and less via email. Encouraging cross-training or rotating job duties can also create opportunities to meet new colleagues.

Jam constantly

Working towards a common goal and achieving something great together forges strong connections. Employees want to feel the pride of creating something significant while enjoying the process. Encourage a collaborative culture where employees can engage in “jam sessions” to build trust, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Don't force it!

Mandating fun activities or team-building events can backfire. Instead, create opportunities for natural friendships to develop. Remember, people will meet their social needs one way or another – it’s better for companies to harness this energy than resist it.