The inaugural KPMG Friends at Work Survey reveals that fostering workplace friendships is pivotal to enhancing employee mental well-being and job satisfaction. The survey, which polled 1,000 full-time professionals across diverse demographics, found that 81% of employees value work friendships, citing their significant role in promoting engagement, connection, and overall workplace happiness. Additionally, friendships at work were linked to improved resiliency (42%), a stronger sense of belonging (41%), and better mental health outcomes, especially among entry-level employees. However, barriers to forming these connections persist, with 58% of respondents attributing challenges to an over-reliance on digital communication and the decline of informal interactions like hallway chats.
The study emphasizes the employer’s role in fostering connections, with 84% of professionals stating that company-facilitated interactions are essential to building friendships and influencing their decision to stay with an organization. Hybrid workers, who reported the highest value in workplace friendships, often face fewer obstacles compared to remote-only colleagues. While extracurricular activities, Employee Resource Groups, and personalized communication were highlighted as effective, economic factors limit out-of-work socializing for over half of professionals. KPMG underscores that by prioritizing workplace friendships, organizations can cultivate a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and employee satisfaction, driving both personal and professional growth.
