As the pandemic continues to reshape the way we work, a new study has found that workplace friendships are changing as well. The shift from in-office work to a hybrid model and virtual team meetings on platforms like Zoom has led to a decrease in office friendships, with only 2 in 10 respondents reporting having a best friend at work in 2022.
Work friendships can bring complications such as an “us vs. them” mentality, gossiping, and relying on interpersonal connections for job satisfaction, according to workplace expert Amy Cooper Hakim. Hakim suggests that it is important to differentiate between genuine friends and “friendlies” in the workplace to avoid these pitfalls.
The number of hours spent working has decreased since the pandemic, indicating a need to look beyond the office for deep social connections. However, maintaining workplace friendships can be challenging due to conflicting features of friendship and organizational life, often leading to cliquey behavior and reduced knowledge sharing within the organization.
While workplace friendships can increase employee loyalty and retention, they can also create a cult-like environment and discourage employees from seeking other career opportunities. Research shows that relationships are the biggest predictors of happiness, but the number of friendships among Americans has declined, raising concerns about loneliness and isolation.
Younger generations, like Gen Z, may be decentering the workplace in their lives and emphasizing the importance of seeking true relationships outside of the office. As the way we work continues to evolve, it is essential to find a balance between building meaningful connections at work and maintaining a social life outside of the office.
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