notsalmon

Only 30% of employees report having a best friend at work!

People with at least 3 close work friends were 46% more likely to be extremely satisfied with their job — and 88% more likely to be satisfied with their lives!

Employee satisfaction jumps by almost 50% when employees describe having close work friends - and doubles the chance workers will have a favorable view of their pay.

Being around a boss was generally considered the least-pleasant part of the work-day. But, employees who were good friends with their bosses were more than TWICE as likely to be happy with their work.

What’s interesting is that many companies actually discourage workplace friendships. Specifically, nearly one-third of the 80,000 managers and leaders interviewed by Gallup agreed with the statement that “familiarity breeds contempt.”

But according to Rath companies which discourage workplace friendship are actually harming themselves.

“When we asked people if they would rather have a best friend at work or a 10% pay raise, having a friend clearly won,” says Rath. “Friendships are among the most fundamental of human needs.”

With this in mind, Rath encourages people to recognize there are eight important roles friends can play at work, and to try to keep a Diversified Friendship Portfolio from each of the 8 categories, which include…

• Builder (motivator)

• Champion (sing your praises)

• Collaborator (has similar interests, passions)

• Companion (always there for you)

• Connector (introduces you to others, widens your circle)

• Energizer (always gives you a boost, makes you laugh)

• Mind opener (expand your horizons, embrace new ideas)

• Navigator (helps you make decisions)

If you’re interested in developing stronger friendships, you should not only seek out people from all the above 8 categories, but become more aware of how you can offer up a little of each of these 8 categories to all the people in your life.