In today’s fast-paced workplace, the importance of friendships and community can often be overlooked, but the 2024 Employment Hero Wellness at Work report highlights just how vital these connections are. Mateship at work does more than make the day enjoyable — it boosts wellbeing, enhances productivity, drives engagement, and fosters a positive culture.
Here’s why workplace friendships matter, backed by data and insights from the report, and how building a sense of community among colleagues can lead to happier, more productive teams.
1. Boosts Wellbeing and Mental Health
Mateship in the workplace plays a significant role in reducing stress and fostering a sense of belonging. According to Employment Hero’s 2024 Wellness at Work report, 52% of employees say they feel happier when they have strong relationships with colleagues. Friendships help individuals feel connected, offering emotional support during challenging times. This connection builds resilience, leading to improved mental health outcomes for employees.
When teams transition from being colleagues to a community, as noted in our From Colleagues to Community blog, it nurtures trust and openness, creating an environment where people feel safe to express themselves. This psychological safety is essential for long-term mental wellbeing.
2. Enhances Productivity
Workplace friendships don’t just benefit emotional wellbeing — they boost productivity too. The Employment Hero report highlights that employees who feel a sense of camaraderie are 30% more likely to stay engaged and motivated at work. When people enjoy working together, they are more likely to collaborate, share knowledge freely, and problem-solve effectively. Teams that operate with a strong sense of mateship are more inclined to support one another, reducing silos and increasing overall team efficiency.
3. Drives Engagement and Retention
Employee engagement is critical for sustaining high performance, and strong workplace friendships can be a powerful motivator for employees to remain invested in their roles. As stated in the Employment Hero report, organisations with high levels of workplace friendships see a 25% increase in retention rates. Employees who build friendships are more likely to feel aligned with the organisation’s vision, which keeps them engaged and committed over the long term.
Friendships can turn the workplace into a ‘village,’ where people show up not just for the work, but for each other. This sense of camaraderie fuels greater loyalty and engagement.
4. Fosters a Positive Workplace Culture
A workplace that encourages friendships naturally cultivates a more inclusive, positive culture. When employees feel connected, they are more likely to contribute to a healthy workplace environment. The Wellness at Work report reinforces this by showing that organisations that promote social bonds have 40% higher rates of employee satisfaction.
Building a culture of mateship leads to more open communication, stronger collaboration, and greater transparency. People are more likely to go beyond surface-level conversations, building deeper, more meaningful connections, which is vital for long-term cultural sustainability.
How Can You Foster Friendships at Work?
1. Initiate Casual Conversations
Start by making small talk with colleagues during breaks or in shared spaces. For instance, ask about their weekend plans or comment on a recent team event. These casual interactions can pave the way for deeper conversations and build rapport over time.
2. Participate in Team Activities
Join or organise team lunches, social events, or interest-based groups (like a book club or sports team). By actively participating in these activities, you show interest in connecting with your colleagues outside of work tasks, which can help build stronger bonds.
3. Offer Help and Support
Be proactive in offering assistance when you see a colleague who might need it, whether it’s helping with a project, sharing resources, or providing moral support. Acts of kindness and support foster goodwill and can lead to lasting friendships.
4. Share Personal Stories and Interests
Open up about your hobbies, passions, or experiences in casual conversations. Sharing personal stories helps others see you as more than just a coworker, making it easier to find common interests and establish a connection.
5. Be an Active Listener
Show genuine interest in your colleagues by actively listening to their stories and concerns. Ask follow-up questions and engage in discussions that show you value their thoughts and feelings. Being a good listener helps build trust and deepens relationships.
Building mateship in the workplace isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ — it directly impacts wellbeing, productivity, engagement, and culture. By fostering these relationships, organisations can create a workplace where people feel more connected, happier, and ultimately more committed to their roles.
