Why Having a Best Friend at Work Matters
Many of us spend more time working than with our families or friends, which might make you wonder: what if some of our closest friends were also our coworkers? In fact, Gallup’s Q12 employee engagement survey highlights the importance of having a “best friend at work,” underscoring how this single relationship can significantly enhance our sense of belonging, satisfaction, and performance in the workplace.
Gallup’s research was further enhanced by Jehn and Shah (1997) who dug into why this phenomenon occurred. They found that groups of friends consistently outperformed groups of acquaintances, largely due to stronger collaboration, open communication, and shared commitment to group goals. Friends in the workplace often feel more motivated, communicate openly, and can resolve conflicts efficiently, all of which contribute to a productive and harmonious environment. The study revealed that social cohesion—stemming from these close interpersonal bonds—serves as a key factor enhancing group dynamics and performance. Additionally, friendships provide a source of emotional support, reducing stress and increasing resilience, which positively impacts both individual well-being and collective success. These findings underscore the value of nurturing friendships at work, not just for personal satisfaction, but for driving better outcomes across the board.
Reflecting on those who have held the title of “work best friend” throughout my own career, I’m reminded of how they’ve been there through some of my most significant professional and personal moments. They celebrated my accomplishments, like the completion of my doctorate degree, with a unique understanding of the hard work it took to get there. They were my support system through a difficult medical diagnosis and picked up the slack for me in ways no one else could. We worked side-by-side during uncertain times in the world.
These friends know both “work me” and “not at work me,” understanding the challenges and joys of my professional life in ways that can be hard to explain to family or friends with different careers. To this day, even though I no longer work with all of them, they’re still the ones I reach out to when I need to process a big work decision or navigate a professional challenge. Now we’re just friends friends, but our shared work history is invaluable.
The Psychological Benefits of Friendship at Work
Having a best friend at work goes beyond casual acquaintances. When you have someone you can connect with, share ideas with, and rely on for support, the workday doesn’t feel quite as demanding. Studies on workplace dynamics indicate that employees with close friendships at work report higher levels of emotional support and a greater sense of belonging, leading to reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Increased Engagement and Performance
Gallup’s research makes a powerful case for the impact of close relationships on job engagement, finding that employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be fully engaged in their jobs. This heightened engagement comes with a host of benefits: teams work more effectively together, productivity rises, and creativity flourishes. When coworkers trust each other and feel safe, they’re more likely to bring new ideas to the table and take on challenges, knowing that they have support.
Friendships in the workplace also build a sense of accountability and motivation. Working with people you genuinely care about can lead to a desire to contribute more, not only for personal achievement but also to support your friends. A team with strong interpersonal connections often finds it easier to keep each other motivated and on track toward shared goals. Simply put, people work harder when they feel like they’re part of something meaningful with people who genuinely care about their success.
The Social Opportunity of Work as Adults
One of the unique aspects of work friendships is that, for many of us, work is the only space where we regularly see the same people. As adults, our schedules rarely align with friends outside of work, and finding time to nurture those friendships can be difficult. At work, we’re given an opportunity to build close relationships through shared routines, mutual goals, and day-to-day interactions.
Unlike social events that are often focused on pure leisure, work friendships are formed through shared responsibilities and challenges, which can foster a unique depth. There’s something powerful about having people in our lives who understand our everyday highs and lows because they’re going through similar experiences.
How Companies Can Encourage Workplace Friendships
Companies that recognize the value of workplace friendships can take several steps to create an environment that encourages meaningful connections:
Create Shared Experiences: Regular team-building activities, social lunches, or even virtual meet-ups in remote settings can give people the space to connect in a relaxed setting. Shared experiences outside of the usual work tasks help people bond and see each other in a new light.
Support a Positive Culture: A company culture where employees feel safe and valued is critical for authentic friendships to develop. When people can be themselves without judgment, they’re more likely to form meaningful connections. Promoting open communication, trust, and support across teams fosters a welcoming environment where friendships can flourish.
Flexible Workspaces and Schedules: Whether in an open office or remote setting, creating spaces that encourage interaction is key. Flexible workspaces with informal seating areas, digital collaboration platforms, and inclusive communication practices help ensure that everyone feels connected. For remote teams, virtual social time or team chats can help bring people together even if they’re not in the same location.
Conclusion
Having a best friend at work doesn’t just make the workday more enjoyable—it can also increase engagement, support mental well-being, and improve productivity. Because we spend so much time in our workplaces, building close relationships can lead to a richer, more fulfilling work experience.
If you have a work best friend—or a past one —consider sharing this blog post with them. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a great time to thank them for the role they play in your life and the friendship that’s meant so much.
References
Gallup. (n.d.). Gallup Q12 employee engagement survey. Gallup. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.gallup.com/q12/
Gallup. (2022, June 13). The increasing importance of a best friend at work. Gallup. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/397058/increasing-importance-best-friend-work.aspx
Jehn, K. A., & Shah, P. P. (1997). Interpersonal relationships and task performance: An examination of mediation processes in friendship and acquaintance groups. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72(4), 775–790.
