Networking among UK workers ‘on the rise’

Increasing numbers of workers in the UK are planning to engage in networking, according to new research.

Figures produced by Common Purpose suggest that 68 per cent of people surveyed plan to raise their level of networking over the course of the next five years, rising to 75 per cent for workers aged between 25 and 44.

Additionally, it was found that two thirds of those questioned believe that networks are important in terms of their professional success.

"Nothing happens without networks. They are fundamental to the success and security of businesses, and present an opportunity for people to see each other’s issues, spot new ideas and see the risks that are not simply confined to one department, organisation, community or even country," stated Julia Middleton, chief executive of Common Purpose.

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Research published earlier this year by the Durham Business School suggested that employees who work from home often worry about missing out on so-called "water cooler networking".