The pros and cons of workplace friendships
As a business owner, it’s always great to see employees getting along with each other. Naturally, when people work in the same location and begin making small talk, friendships can form. Before you know it they’re popping out for lunch together or having a quick natter in the staff room.
A 2025 survey revealed that 82% of employees say they have at least one work friend, with 50% describing that person as important to them.
Workplace friendships can help boost job satisfaction, support mental wellbeing and just generally help create a more positive working environment. They can also benefit your business too as happier employees are more productive and motivated.
The benefits of workplace friendships:
Improved teamwork - teams that trust each other are more likely to be better at solving problems, sharing ideas and supporting each other during busy periods
Better employee wellbeing - having someone to chat to during the working day can make a significant difference to an employee's mental wellbeing
Increased engagement and retention - people are less likely to leave a job where they connect to those around them. Those with friends in the workplace often enjoy coming into work more and are more engaged in their role
A positive workplace culture - new employees are often more likely to settle in quickly when teams are friendly and supportive.
The disadvantages of workplace friendships:
Perceived favouritism - this is particularly relevant if a manager has a close friendship with a member of their team. Other staff may question decisions around promotions or workloads and perceive it as favouritism
Blurred professional boundaries - if one friend manages another this may make it harder for them to have difficult conversations or give constructive criticism
Cliques forming - close friendship groups in a workplace can unintentionally exclude new starters or quieter employees, which makes them feel isolated, affects morale and can create divides within the team
Disagreements can affect work - not all friendships last, so if one does break down, tensions can spill into the workplace, affecting communication, productivity and even the wider team.
What can you do?
We’re all for workplace friendships and we would never advise a business owner to discourage friendships from forming. Instead you can focus on creating an environment that remains professional and creating the right balance.
Good practice includes:
Treating all employees consistently and fairly
Providing management training on professional boundaries
Having clear policies covering bullying, harassment, grievances and standards of conduct
Encouraging inclusive team cultures rather than allowing cliques to form
Addressing conflicts early before they affect the wider business.
As a business owner or line manager, if you’re unsure if your policies cover workplace relationship issues, then we provide HR consultancy services and are here to help. We can help you build a positive workplace culture that supports both your employees and your business.
Sometimes workplace friendships can blossom between employees and turn into romantic relationships, which is a totally new situation to navigate. If you need guidance on doing so, you can read our blog post here.