Having Friends At Work Boosts Your Happiness And Productivity

The numbers are dismal: poll after poll shows that employees are not engaged at work and that productivity is suffering because of it. But while Gallup reports that 55% of employees are "not engaged" in their jobs, there are bright spots in the work world, places where employees are making progress in their careers and finding happiness. For instance, at Zappos, Inc., CEO Tony Hsieh is focusing on pursuing growth and learning as well as building a positive team and family spirit.

According to the Harvard Business Review, having friends at work really does boost your happiness and productivity. How can an organisation foster the kinds of friendship among its workforce that will transform its environment into one of mutual respect and friendship?

Instill Camaraderie

The word "camaraderie" is commonly used to describe the team-like, united relationships of soldiers who work and fight together in high stakes situations. Camaraderie promotes group loyalty and mutual respect. Companies can work toward a feeling of camaraderie by communicating widely about corporate goals that unify everyone. 

Working together in the service of others is another good way to instill camaraderie. Taking an afternoon to work together on a community service project can help employees to get to know each other in another way and to build their friendships as a team.

Mix Up Your Teams

It's common to get to know the people we're around the most, especially at work, and to neglect people we see rarely. Getting to know new people, however, can be a great way to make more friends at work.

If managers can mix up teams in terms of age, gender, skill, or nationality, people may develop friendships with co-workers they may not have had a chance to get to know previously. This can be done by creating cross-departmental projects or by swapping jobs for several weeks at a time. Not only will people avoid burn-out but they just might make some new friends.

Encourage Social Interaction

Some workplaces have anti-social atmospheres. The employees eat their lunches by themselves at their desks, and everyone leaves as soon as possible at the end of the day.

By creating regular social interactions, a company can encourage friendships and enjoy the increased productivity and happier employees that come from doing so. For instance, a regular departmental lunch can give people a chance to talk about their lives and find out how everyone else is doing. Birthday celebrations and baby or wedding showers are also great ways to support employees and encourage friendships.

A happier, more productive workplace is great for everyone: employees, employers, and even clients. If friendships are lacking at your place of work, consider making some changes. Try to instill camaraderie in your employees, mix up teams to help people get to know others, and encourage regular social interaction. You have nothing to lose and happiness to gain.