Co-worker? Or co-friend?

Last week we talked about keeping friends in your contact network. But what about having friends at your workplace?

Humor me here ... take a minute to think of your best friend in the whole world. Now think of your best friend at work. Do you even have one? If not you are missing a critical component of workplace happiness, says Tim Rath, author of Vital Friends.

Rath teamed up with Gallup researchers to figure out eight essential friendship roles everyone needs in work and life. Their biggest finding (drum roll please): People who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their job than someone who doesn't.

Of course, hiring managers and employers can't force friendships, but they can create amicable work environments for employees. This way, people feel more comfortable mingling with coworkers, and are more likely to transform that familiarity into closer relationships.

And think of the benefits! Studies have linked socially supportive workplaces to higher job satisfaction, less exhaustion, and less desire to leave the job. Plus, stress goes down, productivity goes up, and life in general looks much rosier.

In your experience, how have office friendships (or lack thereof) affected your job? Were they always positive? Any drawbacks? Let us know here.

Posted by Roseanne D.