Positive relationships key to a happy workforce

A survey by Samaritans and Simplyhealth has revealed that getting on well with the people you work with is the most fulfilling part of a job, with 42% of respondents saying that positive relationships helped them to feel good at work.

In comparison only 14% cited hitting their targets as their top factor for feeling good at work.

The poll of more than 1,400 workers found that having a good work / life balance was the second (40%) most common reason for feeling good at work, followed by receiving praise (26%) and earning the trust (16%) of their boss.

Other key findings from the survey show:

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• Having a good work / life balance makes more men (41%) feel good at work than women (38%).
• The least popular option for making people feel good at work was team activities including away days (4%).
• There is a significant difference in the value of having a good work / life balance depending on age: 35-44 year olds (47%) compared with those aged 18-24 (32%).

Commenting on the findings, Rachel Kirby Rider, Samaritans’ Director for Fundraising and Communications, said:

[pullquote]“Samaritans understands how interacting with people is really important and so it is interesting to see that having positive relationships tops the poll of making people feel good at work. Our survey results demonstrate how looking out for each other’s wellbeing and having a good work / life balance is essential.”[/pullquote]

The release of the survey coincides with Feel Good Friday (1 February), Samaritans’ annual fundraising day. Sponsored by healthcare provider Simplyhealth for the second consecutive year, the day aims to get companies to take part in ‘feel good’ themed fundraisers, in return for a donation to Samaritans, the helpline charity for people struggling to cope.

In regards to Feel Good Friday, Kirby Rider said:

“Feel Good Friday is the perfect opportunity to take a little time out to have fun with your colleagues whilst raising vital funds to help Samaritans answer more calls from people going through a tough time.”

Mark Day, spokesperson for Simplyhealth, added:

“Positive working relationships and feeling good whilst at work are really important when looking at overall employee health and wellbeing. Organisations with healthy, happy employees can find they see improvements in productivity and results.”