Does it help to have ‘office friends’?
The office used to be the standard place to make one’s first friends in adulthood, or even lifelong friends.
But WFH and hybrid working has changed that.
Yet 52% employees report craving for more connections at work.
Gen Z is probably feeling the brunt of this, having missed out on the physical workplace in their early years.
Friendships may be beyond the employer’s scope.
But they play an important role in how people feel about their work, whether they’re excited to go work & happy at the workplace.
Research also shows that having a few good friends can act as a deterrent for quitting. (Though this could become less so in future).
Companies can keep this in mind when redesigning their office.
Encourage some spontaneous conversations, even at virtual meetings.
Opening up some meetings to non-work related issues like hobbies, vacations, book clubs, outbounds etc. to encourage collaboration.
Bonding around things which are not the latest deliverables, builds real connections and fosters friendship.
A more connected team will be more excited to work towards common goals.
The next perk, especially for Gen Z may not be the office – but Belonging.
Belonging will not go out of fashion.
Would love to hear your experience & different perspectives in the comments.
#skillgrill #office #work #belonging #collaboration #hr #leadership
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