Survey Highlights the Business Benefits of Strong Workplace Connections
Thunder Bay – Business – Canadian companies invest heavily in employee retention strategies, but one crucial factor often overlooked is fostering workplace friendships. A new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals that workplace connections significantly influence employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention.
Workplace Friendships Boost Retention and Productivity
According to the survey, 94% of employers recognize the benefits of workplace friendships, with 85% believing employees are more likely to stay with a company if they have friends at work. Other key advantages include:
- Improved productivity – 65%
- Higher employee morale – 54%
- Better mental health – 50%
- Stronger company culture – 47%
- Lower turnover – 41%
How Companies Encourage Workplace Friendships
Most companies (82%) take proactive steps to foster friendships, including:
- Hosting lunch events (46%)
- Organizing team meetings and peer networking (34%)
- Planning company retreats and gatherings (32%)
- Running mentorship programs (30%)
Beyond work, 95% of employers believe their employees engage with colleagues outside the office, through texting (72%), social media (55%), or in-person meetups (52%).
Friendships Are a Priority for Job Seekers
The survey highlights that 78% of job seekers are more likely to stay at a job where they have workplace friendships. Additionally:
- 64% have stayed longer than intended due to friendships at work
- 55% say they couldn’t get through a workday without workplace friendships
- 32% have left a job due to difficulty forming workplace connections
Despite these benefits, 66% of employers and 64% of job seekers believe that workplace interactions should remain strictly professional. However, the data suggests that companies benefit from a balance between professionalism and personal connection.
Generational Differences in Workplace Friendships
Gen Z employees place the highest value on workplace friendships, with 75% staying at a job longer due to friendships, compared to:
- 65% of Millennials
- 61% of Gen X
- 50% of Boomers
Furthermore, 42% of Gen Z workers have left a job they liked due to difficulty making friends, a much higher rate than older generations.
Post-Pandemic Workplace Culture Shift
The survey also found a shift in workplace dynamics post-pandemic:
- 34% of companies report that employees are now more motivated by extrinsic factors (e.g., raises, bonuses) than three years ago.
- 24% say employees are less interested in connecting with colleagues in person.
- 21% report an increase in workplace conflicts.
To retain top talent, companies must create environments that encourage social interaction while recognizing the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
The Bottom Line: Investing in People Pays Off
“In today’s dynamic work environment, fostering genuine friendships among employees is not just a nice-to-have, but a strategic imperative,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International. “These connections enhance morale, boost productivity, and significantly improve retention rates. By creating a culture where friendships can flourish, companies are investing in their most valuable asset: their people.”
As the workplace continues to evolve, Canadian businesses should recognize that a connected workforce is a stronger workforce—one that is engaged, productive, and more likely to stay for the long haul.
