Learn how friendship at work boosts productivity and happiness.
Discover strategies to improve relationships and motivation in the workplace.
The Importance of Friendship at Work
Social relationships are one of the pillars of human beings.
Since the dawn of humanity, people have come together and formed groups because living together and helping each other is what drives us forward.
Working in a group is always easier than working individually.
With this in mind, it is understandable that the workplace functions similarly, with various interpersonal relationships forming among employees, especially considering that it is here where we spend most of our time.
While in many cases, it is mentioned that employees should leave their personal lives outside of the workplace, it is possible to maintain a good friendship at work with colleagues and supervisors while maintaining the level of professionalism required by companies.
Often, workplace friendships result in better outcomes and more captivating ideas due to the comfort employees feel with each other.
According to a news article in Diário de Notícias, “Microsoft found that when its new hires met with their friends more than eight times in the first 90 days of work, 97% reported that these interactions helped them become productive faster. But when new hires met with their colleague only once in the first 90 days, that number was only 56%.”
Ignoring the formation of workplace friendships is ignoring human nature and the need for mutual support that our species has always required.
Instead of hindering what naturally happens, companies should make the most of this characteristic.
But how can they do that?
5 Strategies to Create Friendships in the Workplace
Companies can adopt various strategies to encourage workplace friendships among employees:
- Promote Social Events: Organizing activities that allow employees to interact in a more relaxed environment is essential. This can include birthday parties, team lunches, hikes, team games, personal development workshops, or even corporate and team-building events.
These activities help create bonds of friendship outside the formal work environment. - Implement Mentorship Programs: Pairing more experienced employees with newcomers for guidance and support can be very beneficial. Mentorship not only facilitates the integration of new employees but also strengthens bonds across different hierarchical levels within the company.
- Create Social Spaces: Establish areas where employees can relax and interact informally. These spaces are essential for people to form friendships at work, outside the typical formal environment. A comfortable and inviting environment can encourage spontaneous and positive interactions, especially during work breaks.
- Cross-Training Programs: Offer training programs that allow employees to learn about the roles and responsibilities of other departments. This not only broadens knowledge about the company but also facilitates collaboration and strengthens professional relationships.
- Encourage Interdepartmental Collaboration: Create opportunities for employees to work together on cross-departmental projects. This not only increases productivity but also promotes collaboration at work and the development of new friendships.
Benefits of Forming Friendships at Work
Forming friendships at work can bring numerous benefits.
One is the improvement in the organizational climate. When employees feel connected and supported by their colleagues, they tend to be more engaged and motivated in their work. This leads to an increase in productivity and creates a more positive and pleasant environment.
Additionally, workplace friendship significantly contributes to stress reduction. Having someone to talk to and vent to can make a big difference in moments of pressure.
Friendship also improves communication in the workplace, facilitating the exchange of ideas and feedback between teams.
For more tips on how to improve work performance, see our article with 6 tips to improve your performance in English.
The Importance of Happiness at Work
To better understand the importance of a happy work environment, watch the Timing video on happiness at work:
(please make sure you turn on the subtitles in english)
4 Rules to Maintain Productivity and
Professionalism with Workplace Friendships
- Do not include only your friends in projects!
Although the possibility of being closer to some people than others is high, within the workplace, especially if you are in a management position, you must consider that all employees deserve the same treatment.
There should be no selection of preferred people for certain projects – everyone should have the same opportunities. The opposite can lead to controversy and a decrease in morale and the well-being of the entire team.
- Know the limits that must be set!
At work, the execution of tasks on time, with the best possible results, should always be the priority of all employees.
Even though this article discusses the advantages of forming friendships in the workplace, this does not mean that the company is a playground to make new friends and distract the team.
Workplace friendships arise naturally, but always remember that during work hours, defined tasks and objectives are a priority.
- Maintain respect and cordiality with all colleagues!
Not everyone at work will be part of your friend group. In a place where different personalities and temperaments exist, it is natural that some people do not become as close.
However, respect in the workplace should be a maximum rule when interacting with all colleagues, not just those you are closest to.
- Friends are friends, business is business!
A popular saying that encapsulates the entire idea of this article.
Within the workplace, professionalism should always be prioritized. Regardless of the level of friendship or intimacy with colleagues, an appropriate and professional demeanor should always be maintained within the company.
Many companies invest in a more informal and relaxed culture, but it should never be forgotten that it is still the workplace and your conduct should never be compromised. Certain subjects or jokes should be kept outside the workplace, as they can harm your image within the company.
Always pay attention to what is said and the type of jokes made, adjusting your communication to the environment.
For more tips on professionalism at work, read our article on Conflicts at Work.
3 Ways to Measure the Success of
Workplace Friendship Initiatives
Workplace friendships have a direct impact on productivity.
When employees feel comfortable and have a good relationship with colleagues, collaboration flows more easily, resulting in better outcomes.
How can companies measure the success of these initiatives?
- Employee Feedback
Management should regularly ask for feedback from their employees about the initiatives implemented to promote workplace friendship. This can include anonymous surveys, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions.
- Productivity Analysis
Companies can monitor the productivity and performance of their teams to assess the impact of workplace friendships. Studies show that teams with strong social bonds are more effective in problem-solving and innovation.
- Employee Retention Rate
Companies should analyze the employee retention rate as an indicator of the success of workplace friendship initiatives. Employees who feel supported and connected to their colleagues are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
Workplace Friendship is Fundamental
In conclusion, we can affirm that workplace friendship is crucial for a healthy and productive work environment. Investing in interpersonal relationships and creating an organizational culture that values friendship can bring numerous benefits for companies and employees.
Companies should, therefore, encourage the formation of friendships and provide interaction opportunities to build a happier, more motivated, and productive workplace.
For more tips on how to improve employee satisfaction and well-being, see our article The Importance of Employee Well-being and Health for Company Success.
– Did this topic help you?
For more tips and insights on how to improve the work environment and increase productivity, explore the Timing blog, where we have several articles to help you not only improve your work performance but also your soft and hard skills.
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