Friendship in the workplace is like a double-edged sword and may have many benefits or severe harm to an individual or an organization. For this reason, it is necessary to answer how to create a friendly relationship in the workplace and take advantage of its benefits without being harmed. In this article, after examining the benefits and harms of friendship in the workplace, we give some practical recommendations for managing friendship.
The benefits of friendship in the workplace
There are many benefits to friendship in the workplace. Friendship in the workplace may be the basis for creating a supportive environment where we feel we belong. In 2008, the Gallup polling institute conducted a study on this topic, based on which employee friendliness in the workplace may positively affect businesses. Promoting trust between colleagues, cooperation, and stress reduction were some of these benefits.
All these increase creativity and innovation in the workplace. When we trust our colleagues who are like our friends, we can more easily come up with and try new ideas. On the other hand, with the coronavirus epidemic and the difficult conditions it created in the work environment of many businesses, the presence of friends there helped maintain the employees’ morale in those difficult conditions.
According to the latest Gallup research, employees with friendships in the workplace tend to stay longer than others during tough times. Another study in 2019 indicated that friendship in the workplace may strengthen employees’ emotional commitment and the sharing of knowledge and experience between them.
On the other hand, friendship at work is also beneficial. Part of our identity is formed in the work environment, so having a friend or friend in that environment enriches our identity and overall happiness.
Disadvantages of friendship in the workplace
In addition to benefits, this type of friendship may cause harm and challenges for the individual and the entire organization. Rumors, sexual harassment and partying, and bias in favor of a friend when judging his performance are among the most essential harms of friendship in the workplace. Various researchers have identified parts of these injuries, which we will mention below.
1. Gossip and backbiting
Rumors and absenteeism may cause division and loss of trust among colleagues.
2. Inappropriate jokes
Depending on how they are played, pranks can damage co-workers’ relationships. For example, if gender jokes are prevalent in an environment, some colleagues may have a problem between the two options of going along with these jokes or being left out by the same group of colleagues. As a result, division between colleagues is created. This division may go so far that it affects the interactions of the work environment and the promotion of the individual in the work environment.
3. sexual harassment
Sexual harassment may also start with friendship but gradually become a problem for the victim and the organization.
4. favoritism
Party play and bias in judging in favor of friends in the workplace are also significant problems. For example, suppose the customer is unsatisfied with the product or service. Now, if the person in charge of evaluating this situation is a friend of the colleague responsible for the client, can he differentiate between his work relationship and his friendship and make a correct judgment?
5. Jeopardy of the meritocratic system
One of the most critical factors for the survival of any organization is to pay attention to meritocracy. It means that each person should be placed in the right place in the organization based on their abilities, experience, and performance. Friendship in the workplace may cause problems in the meritocratic system. You may have heard this famous example of the renowned oil company Enron suffering from organizational corruption due to these friendly relations and gangs. Friendship and behind-the-scenes fights between friends in the workplace can also disappoint others. For example, suppose you see that despite your efforts and abilities, only people connected to the boss or manager are promoted. In that case, you will lose your sense of belonging and motivation to work. Over time, this problem disrupts a healthy organizational culture, leading to structured corruption and a decrease in overall performance.
How do we respect the boundary between professional communication and friendship in the workplace?
How do we interact with our friends at work without getting hurt? Researchers state four principles for the distinction between friendly and professional relationships in the workplace:
- Avoiding friendly interactions in the workplace means intentionally avoiding friendly interactions with friends;
- Indirect refocusing on the professional relationship means returning the interaction from friendly to professional mode;
- Refocusing directly on the professional relationship means asking friends to behave professionally;
- Maintaining personal boundaries and transparency means discussing the boundaries of professional and friendly relationships and the need to create and maintain a distance between the two.
Based on these four principles, we have presented seven practical recommendations below.
1. Discuss your friendship boundary with your colleague
Friendships remain stable when the parties correctly understand the form and type of their friendship. A clear and mutual dialogue is the only way to reach such an understanding. When both parties understand each other, they are less likely to do anything that will cause their relationship to break.
2. Seek to create a safe space for all members to participate
If he has some old friends at work, it is also better to have the air of newcomers. Invite them to your meetings and create an atmosphere so that they also trust you and other old colleagues.
3. Pay attention to the things that keep your friendship going
Any form of friendship is based on mutual trust. Trust between employees and CEOs is essential in moving things forward in the work environment. So, think about the factors that strengthen the friendship between you and your colleague. Be careful not to violate them. Otherwise, the trust between you will be lost.
4. Maintain the originality and integrity of your character
It’s easier said than done, but you shouldn’t sacrifice your identity and personality for fake friendships in the workplace. Respect your values, norms, and who you are.
5. You don’t need to be friends with everyone at work
You don’t need to be friends with all your colleagues at work. Make friends with someone you are closer to at work in terms of intellect and personality. You can establish a professional and appropriate relationship with others based on shared interests and organizational goals.
6. Avoid spreading rumours
Do not engage in backbiting and gossiping. Do not forget that you may become friends with people at work who are not friends with each other. Avoid talking afterward.
7. Be careful of the distance between the boss and the employee
If you are the leader or head of a group, keep your distance from your employees. For example, if there is a business meeting, invite everyone to participate. Don’t make exceptions; otherwise, you risk losing trust and spreading rumors.
Tell us about your experience.
What bittersweet experience do you have with friendship at work? Do you agree to be friends in this environment? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us.
