The findings of a new Friends at Work survey conducted by KPMG LLP, highlights the importance of workplace friendships in boosting employee morale and retention.

The survey, which included 1,000 full-time professional employees, revealed that 81 percent of respondents consider work friends to be "highly important" for feeling engaged, satisfied, and connected to their job. Additionally, 43 percent of workers noted the positive impact of workplace friendships on their mental health, with this number rising to 63 percent for entry-level workers.

Sandy Torchia, KPMG U.S. vice chair of talent and culture, emphasized that genuine friendships between co-workers are crucial for establishing a workplace culture defined by collaboration, teamwork, authentic engagement, care, respect, and fun. She suggested that employers should find new and creative ways to foster and support friendships at work to create an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and truly connected to the organization.

The survey also found that 83 percent of respondents believe that a company's approach to promoting an environment and culture of friendship is important when deciding to stay at a current job, and 81 percent consider it important when deciding on a new job.

However, about one in four workers feel their company is not focused on activities and events that lead to the development of close friendships, and 40% of respondents said their company should promote friendships through activities like holiday parties and happy hours.

Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2024/12/morale-retention-2025-employee-work-friends-kpmg.html

So, the question for our readers is: Do Workplace Friendships Boost Morale And Retention?

Here is the opinion of one of the McCalmon editorial staff:

Jack McCalmon, Esq.

I do know that acrimonious relationships are very damaging to a workplace. If more workplace friendships improves civility and respect between coworkers and participants, then there is no doubt friendships are beneficial to all aspects of a workplace. For employers with return-to-office mandates, I believe fostering friendships is crucial for a positive transition, giving employees an important social reason to return to the office. 

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