Workplace friendships are playing an increasingly important role in employee satisfaction and performance, with research pointing to the value of fostering connections at work – both for retention and for performance.
A survey conducted by energy compay SEFE found that 87 percent of employees consider workplace friendships to be a notable part of their working lives, with 50 percent describing them as important and a further 37 percent calling them very important. The same study revealed that 82 percent of respondents currently have at least one workplace friendship.
The findings suggest that the impact of these relationships extends beyond social interaction. A large majority of those surveyed, 74 percent, reported that having friends at work enhances their productivity. Among Gen Z respondents, 90 percent reported having workplace friendships, although a third admitted these relationships sometimes reduced their focus.
Commenting on the findings, SEFE said, “Friendships are important in the workplace. They can improve the standard of communication, the quality of work and ultimately make the workplace a nicer environment for everyone.”
Improved retention and management relationships
Friendships in the workplace may also contribute to job retention. SEFE’s data found that 71 percent of employees have stayed in a job for longer due to the presence of workplace friendships. Meanwhile, 73 percent reported having a friendly relationship with their manager or higher management, with Gen Z again reporting the highest levels of senior-level connection at 77 percent.
These friendly professional relationships are often formed through casual conversations about life outside of work and a shared interest in non-work topics.
“A healthy, professional relationship can be fostered by managers through casual chats about life outside of work and taking a genuine interest in their hobbies.”
Stephen Neale, Senior Lead for People Experience at HR software provider Personio, also noted that the emotional bonds formed through workplace friendships support wellbeing and long-term engagement.
“Employees who feel emotionally connected to their team are more likely to stay in their jobs,” he said. “Research shows that having a best friend at work can double your likelihood of being engaged in your job.”
Friendship as a driver of innovation and culture
Neale identified five key ways in which workplace friendships benefit employees and organisations. He argued that strong social bonds help eliminate communication barriers, allowing teams to generate ideas more effectively and give honest feedback without fear of judgement.
“Workplace friendships can boost team creativity by removing communication barriers,” Neale said.
With loneliness and burnout becoming more widespread, the presence of work friends may also act as a form of support. Personio pointed to research showing that one in five UK employees often or always feels lonely at work. Friendship, Neale added, “provides a built-in support network, reducing feelings of isolation, stress and burnout.”
Friendships are also said to ease the onboarding process and support inclusion, particularly for new and remote employees. Neale recommended tools such as buddy systems, interest-based Slack channels and casual video calls to help remote workers build relationships.
“Friendships can be a lifeline for new or remote employees, helping them feel welcome and included,” he said. “Workplace friendships help build a more open, inclusive culture by encouraging empathy, trust and cross-team connection.
“Employees forming genuine bonds across departments or seniority levels breaks down barriers and reinforces a sense of shared purpose.”
