Given the amount of time we spend with colleagues, it’s unsurprising that many working relationships evolve into friendships.
Research shows that, following Covid-19, we’re craving connection more than ever.
In all aspects of life, there’s a clear correlation between the formation of meaningful friendships and improved wellbeing. And whilst some may assume friendships at work could reduce productivity, studies instead demonstrate they have the opposite effect—improving job satisfaction, employee retention, engagement, performance, and mental health.
A group of colleagues from different functions and markets at Philip Morris International (PMI) share their friendship experiences at work—and the benefits they’ve brought.
Silvia, Rita, Ramona, Roxana, and Viviane
Feeling comfortable to bring your authentic self to work
When you establish friendships at work, it allows you to drop your corporate ‘work persona’ and be your authentic self. This gives rise to people feeling more comfortable at work, which can accelerate collaboration, creativity, and innovation—three critical values needed for businesses to move forward.
For Silvia Andrade-Edwards, General Manager, Central America South, being able to be her ‘real self’ at work fuels her productivity because she doesn’t need to waste energy “keeping a persona up,” enabling her to “focus on what matters.”
Rita Dane, Head of Smoke-Free Products, Baltic States, agreed that being herself pays dividends in her day-to-day: “I’m naturally positive and good-humored, so it’s great when I can crack a joke to release some tension.”
The importance of trust
A good friendship is built on trust, which is also an imperative quality to have in business. It helps foster psychological safety at work, meaning employees are more likely to take risks that lead to innovation. Working for a company like PMI, trust between colleagues is key if we’re to deliver on our ambition of a smoke-free future.
Empathy is one way to build both trust and impactful collaboration at work. Viviane Shklarek, Head of Smoke-Free Products, Philip Morris Austria, said: “One of my favorite things about my job is interacting with people. I concentrate on individuals over job titles so we can reach a level of mutual understanding and build trust. When I focus on people, friendships can occur naturally.”
Seeking support in challenging times
When a sympathetic friend also happens to be a colleague, they’re well-equipped to help you deal with workplace pressure.
As Roxana Romanescu, Global Head Deployment Planning Heat-Not-Burn, explained: “Having established friendships with my colleagues has really helped me feel comfortable to speak about my challenges in a trusted and safe space.”
Friendships can also help people offer their support, too. Whereas a change in voice tone or body language in a meeting could be missed or misinterpreted by those less familiar, friends will always spot when something’s wrong. Silvia recalled: “When I know someone deeper than the typical, surface-level interactions, it’s easier to recognize if someone is struggling, so I can offer help.”
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Opposites attract
Establishing a rapport with someone from a different background can expose you to new viewpoints or potential opportunities.
Ramona Alina Bloju, Manager Communication Strategy, Philip Morris Romania, has found both personal and professional joy in diverse environments: “Amazing things can happen when you put people together with diverse experiences. You see how strengths complement weaknesses. It’s this mix of contrasting ideas that keeps a team adaptable and resilient.”
Acquiring new skills and self-development
Having friends in other markets, functions, or departments can expose you to new methods or skills that you may not have used before. These relationships can help to break down silos and foster new dialogues. Silvia has found this beneficial for both personal development and team performance: “Working for a large company like PMI, I’ve often had friends within my team or function move to new areas of the business. Maintaining these connections has provided opportunities to cross-fertilize new ideas.”
Rita discovered that cultivating cross-functional relationships allows you to “discuss how you overcame challenges in the business with another function,” which “could reveal new approaches.”
Wellbeing at work
Having friends at work can alleviate stress, increase motivation, and improve work-life balance. Whilst networking and mentorship can impact positively on your career, friendships can be even more beneficial, says Silvia. She explained: “Whilst work interactions are typically pleasant, I naturally seek something deeper. Despite working for a multinational FMCG company with thousands of employees, we tend to interact in much smaller circles. I’ve found meaningful connections with people who have enriched my life on both a personal and professional level.”
Furthermore, workplace friendships can help people shake off a bad mood or start the day on the right foot. Rita said: “Having a coffee with work friends or discussing your plans for the day is a great start to the morning, boosting my energy levels and mindset.”
Expand your network
In agile companies, people often move between functions and markets, opens doors for employees to communicate more widely and break down silos.
Viviane recalled how one friendship group, comprised of former teammates and people she’d never met, came together during the pandemic. She recalled: “We bonded when we started socializing online after work. Even though we work in different regions and functions, we try to stay connected. They not only provide valued friendships, but also help my professional life due to our extended networks. Some friendships at work have evolved into coaching, mentoring, and consulting.”
Silvia added: “I’ve often found solutions to a problem after a work friend has introduced me to someone else in the business that can assist.”
Be mindful
Whilst there are many benefits to forming friendships in the workplace, it’s important to be aware of potential negative impacts. Of course, not everyone will have natural chemistry, but make sure that doesn’t become a source of disharmony at work. Whilst having work friends is positive, we should all maintain self-awareness to ensure no one outside your circle feels alienated by in-jokes or private discussions.
Meanwhile, if friendships are formed across hierarchies, take care to remain impartial to avoid giving the impression that friends are receiving preferential treatment.
Empowering friendships
Given the many benefits that friendships offer at work, managers should consider facilitating opportunities to foster these connections to improve harmonious collaboration and accelerate innovation.
Provide your teams with space to get to know each other beyond the transactional nature of the typical day-to-day.
It’s important to remember that when we’re feeling our best, we’ll be at our best.
Top image © Getty Images.
