Who is your best friend at work? If you can’t name anyone right now at this moment, there’s a chance that you’re not fully engaged with your job. Perhaps you’re feeling unmotivated, under-appreciated, and are even thinking about leaving the company. But what does having a work best friend have to do with career success? A lot it turns out. Those with best friends at work could be described as happier, more fulfilled, and more productive in their careers. Here’s what a Gallup Business Journal study found about people who said, “Yes, I have a best friend at work.”
- 43% more likely to report having received praise or recognition for their work in the last seven days.
- 37% more likely to report that someone at work encourages their development.
- 35% more likely to report coworker commitment to quality.
- 28% more likely to report that in the last six months, someone at work has talked to them about their progress.
- 27% more likely to report that the mission of their company makes them feel their job is important.
- 27% more likely to report that their opinions seem to count at work.
- 21% more likely to report that at work, they have the opportunity to do what they do best every day.
That’s some pretty serious stuff. And while some people want to separate their work life from their home life and don’t want to get “too involved” with their coworkers, this study shows the importance of friendship in the workplace. Friendly coworkers tend to be more loyal, trustworthy, and productive to one another and to the organization. And here’s the kickers: those with best friends at work even manage stress levels better than those without one. If that’s not motivation to start a work friendship, than I don’t know what is!
Spectrum Brands Careers Blog 
February 17, 2015
Career Advice