Hybrid Workers are Equally Likely to have Close Work Friendships as On-Site Workers

Work environments that foster connections among coworkers may see less turnover, even among remote and hybrid employees

Workers in hybrid work environments are just as likely to have real friends at work as those who see their colleagues at work every day – 70% of each of these employee groups have close work friends.

People who have strong enough work friendships that they would remain friends if they weren’t coworkers are less likely to leave their jobs, according to new research from QualtricsThe study found that just 23% of workers with close friends at work are planning to leave within the next six months, compared to 29% of those who don’t have close work friends. And 35% of employees said that the people they work with are part of their decision to stay–second only to being happy with their current responsibilities.

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The new research sheds light on one of the biggest questions about post-pandemic work-life: whether workers would form social connections without the water cooler friendships that have been a hallmark of office life. The research indicates that intentional efforts by leaders of remote and hybrid environments are paying off, and work remains a source of friendships. Just over half (51%) of workers say their workplace offers ways to find and connect with colleagues with similar interests, but this is more common among remote and hybrid workers, with 65% saying this is available. For on-site workers it’s nearly reversed, with 63% saying their workplace does not have such offerings.

“The relationships we form at work play a very real role in our lives, whether it’s commiserating over a tough challenge or celebrating a team win,” said Dr. Benjamin Granger, chief workplace psychologist at Qualtrics. “Even as the way we work changes, the impact of having these social connections is clear. Fostering an environment that encourages and enables people to get to know one another makes for happier employees and can lessen turnover.”

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