4 Reasons to Make Friends at Work

Having a pal at work will increase workplace happiness. Find out how.

1. You’ll be a better worker
Chances are, if you do, you’re a better, more productive worker than the office loner or grouch, research shows

2. You’ll engage more with your work
If you have a strong office friendship, you’re more likely to be engaged with your work. And a 2009 UK Gallup poll finds that a sense of engagement really matters. According to Gallup, 60 percent of employees without a good pal are not engaged, and 36 percent are actively disengaged. Only 4 percent of those without a good work friend are content and productive at work. Engaged employees are those who know what’s expected of them and who have what they need in order to do their job. They also feel that they are involved in making a difference, along with colleagues whom they can trust. Not only that, they have chances to improve and develop at work.

3. You will be less negative
At the opposite end of the spectrum are people described as CAVE dwellers – Consistently Against Virtually Everything – the people who are actively disengaged at work. Unfortunately, these negative people are often the most vocal.

4. It improves workplace communication
The advice to employers to ensure their employees feel engaged is to work at raising and maintaining morale, hope and trust among workers, to concentrate on employees’ strengths and to improve workplace communication.