Workplace friendships can be both good and bad for the workplace, according to a recent Women In Optometry (WO) Pop-up Poll. While many respondents highlighted the benefits of having a close friend at work, others noted potential downsides.
A poll from Gallup, updated in August 2024, found that employees who have a best friend at work more likely to refer new employees, stay in their jobs and be satisfied. They also are significantly more likely to do the following:
- Engage customers and internal partners
- Get more done in less time
- Support a safe workplace with fewer accidents and reliability concerns
- Innovate and share ideas
- Have fun while at work
A MIXED BAG
So WO asked whether readers have a best friend at work or support a culture of friendship. Forty percent of respondents reported currently having a “work best friend,” while another 20% said they had one in the past. More than one-in-four respondents, 27%, said they don’t have a best friends at work. And 13% prefer to keep their friendships and professional relationships separate.
THE IMPACT
Just more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents encourage staff to recommend friends for open positions, showing that many see value in blending personal and professional circles. However, 33% said they do not encourage employees to recommend friends.
Among those who currently have or have had a friend at work, 60% said it makes them enjoy the workday more, with many citing reduced stress as a key benefit. However, when it comes to productivity, opinions were split. While some respondents felt their friendships increased productivity, others felt the opposite.
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
When asked about the effects of workplace friendships, 60% pointed to improved teamwork and innovation, while the same number said it fostered a positive atmosphere. Staff retention (47%) and increased productivity (40%) were also notable benefits. However, workplace friendships aren’t without challenges; 40% of respondents agreed that these relationships can create cliques or “sides” within the office.
The majority of respondents (80%) identified as female optometrists, while 20% said they were non-OD females. Among the group, 40% said they are solo owners or contractors. Other notable employment categories were those who work as the only OD associate (20%) and those with multiple positions or “other employment” (20%).
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Read other WO Pop-up Poll results here.
Featured photo credit: Getty Images, Alisa Zahoruiko
