How having a best friend at work benefits employees
Do you have someone you can call a best friend at work? And is it important to have a best friend at work? Global analytics and advice firm Gallup created a 12-item engagement survey which showed that having a best friend at work can help employees feel a sense of belonging and a connection to the organisation, which leads to increased well-being for that employee.
“The presence of solid work friendships can result in improved customer service as well as employee well-being”
Melissa Doran and Leigh Lafever-Ayer
How does having a best friend at work lead to increased well-being? For a start work friends reduce burnout. Some workdays can be a challenge. Regardless of your position or the tasks you are performing, everyone is likely to experience work burnout at some point. In challenging situations, employees who report having a best friend at work have lower stress levels. Gallup found that people with close work friends were more confident and composed in finding solutions to their problems because they have friends to give advice and support them.
“Having a best friend at work increases motivation and job satisfaction”
Work friends bring other positive gains. Gallup’s research found that when 60% of employees in a company have a work best friend, safety incidents decreased by 36%, customer engagement increased by 7%, and 27% of employees feel that their opinions seem to count within the workplace.
The presence of solid work friendships can result in improved customer service, employee satisfaction, and business profits - with 21% of employees more likely to report, that at work, they can do what they do best every day.
In addition to increased motivation and job satisfaction, employees who have a best friend at work are less likely to search for other jobs.
Best workplace friends: Leigh and Ashley Hever
Workplace friendships allow employees to enjoy a social aspect within their workspace, which is becoming more critical than ever. In decades past, there was a clear separation between home life and work-life friendships. As the world rapidly evolves over time, we can see that colleagues tend to spend more of their out-of-work hours together… whether that be over a drink of an evening or creating plans together.
“Workplace friendships involve mutual commitment, trust, and shared values or interests between people at work, in ways that go beyond mere acquaintanceship but that exclude romance.” (Workplace Relations: Friendship Patterns and Consequences (According to Managers) by Evan M. Berman, Jonathan P. West and Maurice N. Richter, Jr.)
“Workplace friendships encourage employees to have a ‘work-life’ balance”
Understanding the benefit of having a best friend at work Enterprise’s UK and Ireland HR Director, Leigh Lafever-Ayer, launched an internal communications campaign where employees shared stories of their workplace friendships, and from this came some great advice.
“Don’t shy away, get to know people and get involved. Start-up conversations with your colleagues and say YES to networking opportunities as they often lead to new friendships”. – Chantal B, HR Generalist Manager
“So, maybe it’s time to change how we think and perceive the thought of a ‘best friend at work’. If you have someone you trust, who listens to you, appreciates your talents, and makes your day a bit more fun, I will say that sounds like a pretty great ‘best friend’. - Emma L, HR Generalist
“It’s great having a go-to. Yes, you have your manager & colleagues, but that best friend piece makes a working relationship that little bit more special. In terms of job performance, we know each other’s strengths as opportunities, our friendship has enabled better performance.” – Sam C, Generalist”
If you are interested in a career with Enterprise, please visit our recruitment website at careers.enterprise.co.uk
