Do you have a work BFF? Someone you confide in? Bounce ideas off of? Take lunch breaks with?
In honor of National Friendship Day on August 7th, we honor friendships in the workplace. It turns out that a healthy workplace friendship is not only good for your mental health, but these relationships can boost employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity.
In fact, studies show that people who have a “best friend at work” are not only more likely to be happier and healthier, they are also seven times as likely to be engaged in their job.
And with remote work changing the dynamic of our work relationships, surveys show a direct link between productivity and social connection. Those who said they felt less connected to their colleagues since transitioning to remote work, 80% said they were also less productive.
So go ahead and laugh with that co-worker and nurture those friendships. Your bosses will be glad you did.