WHY OFFICE FRIENDSHIPS MATTERS

A 2018 study in Future Workplace showed that 1 out of 10 people have no friends at work and more than half have 5 or fewer. That’s sad considering 70% of employees say friends at work are the most crucial element to a happy working life.

I’ve been thinking about these figures a lot—especially as we move through the month of gratitude and Thanksgiving (in the U.S.). In most cases, when we’re asked to list the people we are most grateful for, we often overlook the people we spend the most time with—our colleagues. Yet most of our adult life is spent in the office.

Building friendships in the office is so precious and challenging that I can see why we seek out articles like this and this one. That’s probably why despite some awkwardness, we must learn the art to cultivating friendships in the office. Including learning how to say thank you. So this month I ask you to find at least two ways to express deep gratitude to your work family. Those colleagues who stood up for you, encouraged you and really listened to you.

“Thank you” can be so much more than two words you put at your signature line.