You Gotta Have Friends! (Or Do You?)

In this blog, we recently discussed the importance of developing friendships at work -- and the findings of researcher Shawn Achor, who says that having friends at work can increase your chances of promotion and career success.

So we asked site visitors, "How important to you is developing friendships with your coworkers?" And here's what they had to say:

8%  ... Extremely: I have to make friends with my coworkers.
31% ... Very: Friendships make work a lot more pleasant.
44% ... Somewhat: It's nice to have friends at work, but I don't force it.
11% ... A little: I don't usually socialize with coworkers.
6%  ... Not at all: Don't bother me, I'm working!

So it seems that the experts are a bit keener on work friendships than the average person. If you're feeling iffy about making friends at work, keep in mind that in most workplaces getting ahead isn't just about doing great work -- it's also about being well liked.

By the same token, it's also important to remember that a workplace friendship gone sour can have far-reaching repercussions. For more tips, read "Workplace Friendships: Asset or Liability?"

How do you feel about friendships at work? Let us know in the Comments section, or find us on Twitter to share your thoughts.

 

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