Workplace friendships: lifeblood of thriving teams

FOR centuries, work has been about more than a salary or wage. It’s been a space where people collaborate, forge meaningful bonds and find belonging. Yet in recent years, the deep camaraderie once common in workplaces has started to fade - representing a major shift that has left many feeling isolated despite being surrounded by colleagues.

- MARK C CROWLEY

Gallup’s research underscores this concerning trend: only 20% of employees in the US report having a best friend at work. More troubling, just one in five actively nurtures these relationships, despite clear evidence that workplace friendships elevate commitment, performance and personal well-being. This erosion of connection is not merely a social loss, it’s a business challenge. Employees without strong friendships often feel less fulfilled, collaborate less effectively and are far more likely to leave.

Retention impact

The impact of lost workplace friendships is often underestimated, especially in discussions about employee turnover. While it's commonly believed that people mostly quit their jobs in response to poor managers or a lack of leadership, Oxford professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve has found that workers also leave because they lack a sense of belonging with their teams. This reframes the issue: workplace friendships aren’t just about socialising — they’re critical for retention and sustainable business success.

The “great resignation”, where millions quit their jobs, directly highlights the impact of weakened workplace ties. Physical separation during the Covid pandemic left employees feeling detached from their teammates; eroding the sense of community that once grounded them. While not the sole driver, the decline in deep workplace friendships significantly contributed to employees’ decisions to leave — underscoring the role of friendship in fostering loyalty, job satisfaction and team stability.

Why the wane