How are workplace friendships beneficial for individuals and organisations?
Reduction in mental health challenges
Having connections and someone to lean on in a time of need is paramount for good mental health. It limits the risk of loneliness and isolation, offers a safe and trusted space to discuss any mental health challenges, and increases a sense of belonging. With this in mind, healthier and happier people are more productive and more engaged within their workplace.
Attract new talent
Organisation can also benefit from more connections in the workplace. With 50% of people wanting more social connections at work, organisations that offer friendship opportunities can be more tempting to new and dedicated talent.
Increase in trust and satisfaction
Through open communication colleagues develop trusting relationships that improves productivity and employee satisfaction. When friendships are celebrated in the workplace, employees are known to be more committed to the shared goal, trust one another more, and are better able to work in unison.
Trust is great for supporting better decision-making, increases loyalty, and lowering stress levels in the workplace. With trust people find it easier to discuss their mental health challenges, cultivating an open and honest workplace where people feel that they can discuss their health and wellbeing challenges with confidence.
Friendships are grounding
Friends keep us grounded, they offer different perspectives, stability, honesty, and some may even offer reality checks when needed. Having this support helps colleagues in their emotional stability and resilience, keep co-workers authentic to themselves, supporting better decision-making, and boosting mental health.
Better recovery through difficult periods
Everyone will encounter at least one difficult period in their lives. You may go through a bereavement, a relationship breakdown, or a financially challenging situation. When faced with difficult situations, it can be tough to mentally cope, and you may feel overwhelmed or fearful to seek professional help.
During tough times, we reach out to those closest to us to seek support. Friends can act as the first barrier to worsening mental health challenges when we go through difficult periods. Friendships support these mentally draining times, encouraging better recovery through difficult periods.
Relinquish any tension that is on our mind
Being able to discuss mental health challenges with someone is a great way to overcome tension and stress within the mind. A trusted friend may offer different perspectives to show better understanding, show understanding of specific problems, and provide a trusting and safe space for the individual to relinquish any mental tension.
Reduces loneliness and social isolation
Loneliness can be a silent killer of mental wellbeing, with 62% of lonely people reporting that it decreased their self-confidence. Friendships are good cures for loneliness and social isolation, allowing us to feel connected to people, boosting self-confidence, and offer a sense of belonging and purpose.
Offering different perspectives
Sometimes when you are going through a traumatic or upsetting situation, it can be hard to see the reality, other perspectives, and it can feel like you have limited options. This may increase the likelihood of mental health challenges, like depression and anxiety. Speaking to a trusted friend will offer different perspectives that you may not have noticed beforehand.
Combatting mental health stigmas
Having strong connections in work will encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and introduce better means of mental health support for those who need it, such as encouraging them to access counselling services.
Promoting open and honest conversations about mental health reduces stigma, prejudice, and discrimination around people who suffer with mental health conditions, improving awareness and cultivating acceptance.
Career progression
Having a trusting environment is a great way to create future leaders through empowerment and the support of connected colleagues. The trust built between coworkers fosters a supportive environment that uplifts and excels colleagues into new roles with more responsibility through collaboration and learning.