Friendship at work: is this possible, and why companies are looking at it
Recently stumbling upon an article in the FT titled “Is Friendship Employer’s Business?” made me wonder about the newfound interest some companies seem to have in regulating workplace friendships, almost like they do with romantic relationships. It struck me as odd because friendship at work isn’t that much talked about, and because in general I don’t think companies should meddle in people’s lives (except to prevent nepotism).
There’s a prevailing sentiment that work isn’t the place for making friends. The competition is fierce, and there’s a lingering fear of putting trust in someone who might not have your best interests at heart. We’ve all heard stories of company founders who saw their friendships crumble amidst the chaos of managing a business. And even if you’re not that misanthropic and skeptical about people, there’s this notion that friendship is a private life thing and should be kept miles away from our work life.
But, think about it. If you’re spending the better part of 40+ years clocking in and out of work, why deny yourself the chance to build connections with folks you really get along with? Sure, it might seem trivial at first, just enjoying some banter with colleagues, but over time, those connections could blossom into genuine friendships, even if one of you leaves the company.
A 2022 Harvard Business Review article titled “The Power of Work Friends” explains out the benefits companies can reap from fostering positive relationships among their employees. While some of it makes sense — like having a buddy system for new hires, which does wonders for onboarding and teamwork — other measures might come across as a bit forced. Enjoying casual time with colleagues (over lunch, or drinks after work) isn’t the same as attending employee bonding activities, some of which can be great but others completely superficial.
The crux of the matter lies in finding the sweet spot between letting friendships bloom organically and enforcing policies that might make everyone feel like they’re under a microscope. Companies need to master the art of supporting genuine connections while respecting the need for professional boundaries.
In essence, the question of whether companies should meddle in the business of friendships shouldn’t be a tricky one. In my opinion, they shouldn’t. Sure, there are risks, like blurring the lines between personal and professional, and companies should put in place policies to prevent favoritism. But on the other hand, companies shouldn’t meddle too much into people’s private life, even if they feel they can benefit from it. Striking that balance becomes the key to creating a workplace that’s not just productive but one where friendships can thrive without feeling like a boardroom agenda.
