Without these relationships, work places would probably feel constantly like this.
However, distinguishing what is over the line and what isn’t when it comes to employee/manager friendships isn’t always so easy. Multiple studies have been done trying to figure out what the majority of people think how close is to close. One study found that 6 out 10 managers reported feeling uncomfortable when their employees or bosses friended them on Facebook. The use of social media blurs this line because of the human resources issues that can arise on social media, such as inappropriate comments or pictures from an employee.
On the other hand, a good number of studies have found that work friendships can have a great positive impact on a workplace. A study by Hedges discusses that, “more than 60% of employees who have between six and 25 friends at work admit to loving their companies” Both of these studies point to a strong positive correlation between happiness at work and friendships.
But, what if you get promoted and climb the corporate ladder? You don’t want to give up your friendships. Newly promoted managers can maintain those friendships, but still be seen as a leader. INC writer Candice Galek suggests that the following that best bosses do to maintain friendships with their employees:
- Be in the know of what your office in fanatical about.
- Take an interest in your colleagues.
- Don’t skip out on work events.
- Ask co-workers to go to lunch.
Whether you’re new to the company as a manager or newly promoted, friendly relationships promotes employee happiness and engagement, creating a positive company culture. Determine your boundaries between work and friendships and respect others’ boundaries. If you’re struggling with friends at work, this article has some content that might be beneficial to you. Maybe it can really be as good as those work friendship memes.
Corban OneSource is a Mid-Market Human Resource Outsourcer or HRO for companies of 75 to 6,000 employees. Are you looking to outsource the core HR functions of Payroll, Benefits Administration and HR Support? Find out more here.