Building Bridges, Boosting Performance: The Secret Sauce of Work BFFs

In many of our working lives today, who we work with is as or, in some cases, even more important than the work we do. Gallup’s Q12 survey on employee engagement asks the question ‘I have a best friend at work.’ When using this query in the past as part of the engagement measure, it usually generated a lot of discussion about its relevance and impact to overall engagement. The idea that strong interpersonal relationships, including friendships, can positively impact workplace performance is supported by various research and studies in organizational psychology. The research shows that a best friend at work has a seven times greater impact on engagement than a friend or even a good friend. This begs the question: what are the building blocks that allow friendship at work and in turn bolsters the performance of the team and the organization? Two behaviors come to mind immediately: empathy and active listening. While these two actions are not exhaustive by any means, they are foundational in allowing people to support one another and affect engagement in the proper context.

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In a workplace context, this means acknowledging and appreciating the perspectives, challenges, and emotions of colleagues. Being empathetic involves offering support during difficult times, celebrating successes, and recognizing the efforts of team members. Actively listening to colleagues demonstrates respect and shows that their opinions and concerns matter. This involves giving full attention, making eye contact, and avoiding distractions during conversations. Clarifying points and reflecting back what has been said helps to ensure understanding and signal that one values the input of others. This is an important step in interpersonal relationships as people want to feel heard, understood, and valued in those moments of sharing.

Both of these elements are best served when organizational leaders find ways to allow people to get to know one another. This can establish a sense of psychological safety that empowers the free flow of information to solve problems, allows risk taking, and creates conditions where innovation is possible. Additionally, these bonds are strengthened through supporting behaviors of leaders that promote a collaborative culture, encourages teamwork, and help break down silos. Teams that work well together often develop strong bonds. Allowing time for informal interactions, whether during breaks, team lunches, or social events, provides opportunities for team members to connect on a personal level.

Rath and Harter wrote in the book Wellbeing, The Five Essential Elements, “we tend to synchronize our moods with the people around us, our emotions influence one another throughout the day.” These relationships assist in helping us reach new heights in our work, appreciate life, and be well. Often these friendships at work are characterized by a few behaviors: 1) they complement one another; these friends feed off of one another’s strengths and do not point out their weaknesses. 2) They inspire each other past their initial contribution; this person sees more in others and asks them to share it for everyone’s growth and development. Lastly, 3) they enjoy the success of their friend as much, or sometimes more than their own.

Friendships within teams find solid ground when anchored by shared goals and values. When individuals rally around a common purpose, their bonds strengthen. It's the alignment of personal aspirations with collective objectives that transforms a group of individuals into a cohesive force, moving in synchrony towards a shared horizon. In this ecosystem of collaboration, the currency of recognition and appreciation holds immeasurable value. Acknowledging the unique contributions of team members, expressing gratitude, and celebrating milestones serve as the mortar binding the bricks of friendship. It fosters an environment where individuals feel valued, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends the confines of job titles.

In conclusion, the intricate dance of workplace friendships is not just a pleasant byproduct of professional life; it is an essential catalyst for organizational success. As we recognize the profound impact of empathy, active listening, and shared values on interpersonal relationships at work, it becomes evident that fostering these connections isn't merely a nicety—it's a strategic imperative. In a world where collaboration propels innovation and cohesive teams outperform disjointed ones, the value of cultivating workplace friendships extends far beyond camaraderie. It becomes a cornerstone for organizational resilience, creativity, and sustained success. As leaders and team members alike invest in these foundational elements, they pave the way for a workplace where individuals thrive, relationships flourish, and collective achievements reach new heights.