Great Lakes Wire

Increasingly, companies are asking employees to return to the office, citing benefits such as strengthening organizational culture and boosting productivity. A recent survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll highlights that workplace friendships could play a significant role in this transition.

The survey found that hiring managers identified several advantages of workplace friendships. These include improving employee and company productivity (67 percent), increasing employee morale (55 percent), strengthening company culture (51 percent), enhancing employee mental health (50 percent), reducing turnover (44 percent), and decreasing employee burnout (40 percent).

Employee retention is notably influenced by workplace friendships. According to the survey, 89 percent of employees stated they would be "more likely to stay with a company" if they had friends there.

The report also suggested activities employers can implement to encourage friendship development at work. These include lunch events (46 percent), encouraging meetings among peers or those at the same job level (43 percent), hosting company retreats or get-togethers (40 percent), mentorship programs (32 percent), happy hours (29 percent), and group volunteer days (28 percent).

"In today’s dynamic work environment, fostering genuine friendships among employees is not just a nice-to-have, but a strategic imperative," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "These connections enhance morale, boost productivity and significantly improve retention rates. By creating a culture where friendships can flourish, companies are investing in their most valuable asset: their people."

Employers and HR professionals should consider fostering employee friendships as an effective retention strategy when organizing company events and activities. These initiatives aim to build friendly relationships that encourage employees to return to the office.

By Heather Nezich, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.