It pays to encourage workplace friendships.

According to a recent study by the Conference Board only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their jobs. While there are many reasons for rampant job dissatisfaction, there is one root cause that deserves a closer look. That is, the role that friendships play in creating a positive, supportive working environment.

Research by the Randstad Work Watch found that, “Interestingly, the top responses from the survey aligned <job satisfaction> more to workplace culture: a more creative and friendly workplace (70 percent); increases teamwork (69 percent); increases morale (59 percent); and increases knowledge sharing and open communication (50 percent).”

The survey pointed to the important role that close friendships play in employee job satisfaction. “There is no denying that workplace friendships can contribute to a positive workplace culture, including increased productivity and creativity, heightened morale, enhanced personal performance and stronger team cohesiveness.”

Other studies support these findings. The Gallup Organization, leaders in employee engagement research, studied high performing work groups and discovered that one of the things these employees had in common was having a best friend at work. In fact, “Do you have a best friend at work?” is the most controversial question on Gallup’s Q-12 survey.  According to the February 2008 Gallup Management Journal: “Gallup itself would have dropped the statement if not for one stubborn fact: it predicts performance. Something about a deep sense of affiliation with the people in an employee’s team drives him to do positive things for the business he otherwise would not do.”

Dealing with customer issues call after call, day after day is one of the most emotionally taxing jobs there is. That’s why it’s so important to foster supportive workplace friendships. You can bet that when front-line employees “feel the love,” they’ll pass that positivity on to their customers.

Be happy. Have a great week.

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