The importance of workplace friendships in the era of remote work

The impact of remote work on social connections

Remote work, while offering flexibility and convenience, often strips away the natural, informal interactions that occur in a physical office setting. “People have this desire to be seen and be heard,” says Bungay Stanier. However, video calls tend to jump straight into business, reducing individuals to “little heads in squares,” and eliminating the casual conversations that foster friendships. This lack of personal connection can feel like a “shameful confession” to discuss, but it is an important conversation to have, as Bungay Stanier notes his clients are beginning to acknowledge.

The benefits of workplace friendships

Psychology professor Laurie Santos, creator of Yale University’s popular course “The Science of Well Being,” advocates for the significance of at-work friendships. In her presentation at South by Southwest earlier this year, Santos cited research showing that workplace friendships and a sense of belonging are crucial for employee happiness and organizational success. She challenges the notion that friendships at work are merely “nice-to-have” rather than essential, suggesting that the disengagement and “quiet quitting” phenomena may stem from a lack of investment in interpersonal connections.

Corporate strategies to foster social interactions

Many large companies have started focusing on employee health and well-being, often beginning with physical health initiatives like gyms and healthy cafeteria options. Suzanne Heidelberger, who has managed real estate properties for global companies such as American Express and Fidelity Investments, highlights a shift towards enhancing overall well-being, including social health. Heidelberger suggests several strategies for fostering workplace friendships:

• Rethinking physical spaces: Companies are redesigning office environments to promote interactions, such as adding staircases to encourage “casual collisions” or transforming green rooftops into social gathering spaces.
• Creating groups and events: Organizing events that bring together employees with shared interests, such as an ice cream social for dog lovers, can help foster friendships.
• Offering online gatherings: During the pandemic, companies like American Express offered online cooking classes to help employees feel connected.

Individual approaches to building connections

Executive coach Daniel Boscaljon, founder of the Healthy Relationship Academy, notes that employees are also seeking ways to build better workplace relationships. Developing strong interpersonal skills is crucial, as these can significantly enhance interactions. Boscaljon emphasizes the importance of being authentic and working on one’s overall well-being, stating, “You can’t have a work personality and a home personality.” He also advises clear communication with coworkers about work preferences and habits to prevent misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.

Simple actions to combat loneliness

Michael Bungay Stanier suggests that small actions, like saying hello to coworkers, can make a significant difference in combating loneliness. These everyday greetings, though they may seem minor, can be the starting point for deeper connections and friendships at work.

Workplace friendships are vital for both employee happiness and organizational success. As remote work continues to be a prevalent mode of operation, it is crucial for both employers and employees to invest in fostering social connections. By rethinking physical spaces, organizing social events, and encouraging everyday interactions, companies can create an environment where friendships thrive, ultimately leading to a more engaged and satisfied workforce.

source: CTVNEWS