If popular ’90s sitcoms taught us anything, it’s that friends will be there for you. Friends are there to celebrate the good times and support you during the tough times. Having work friends creates a safe space to share big wins — all while improving your productivity and job satisfaction.
The importance of friends
Friendships can contribute to physical and mental well-being. Having friends is just as important to physical health as diet and exercise. Social connection has been linked to lower blood pressure, lower BMI, decreased inflammation and reduced risk of diabetes, according to an analysis of several longitudinal studies.
“My friends and I see each other excel at the mental and social aspects of our jobs and in meeting fitness goals in the Paycom gym. This builds my confidence in them and makes it easy to tell them I believe in their abilities.”
—Jon B., Benefits Coordinator
Additional research shows people with larger social circles are less likely to feel lonely, isolated or depressed. And people who have higher quality friendships and spend more time with friends report higher life satisfaction.
The benefits of having work friends
Gallup reports those with a work best friend feel more engaged in their role and perform at a higher level. In addition, employees with office friends have a greater sense of well-being and are less prone to on-the-job injuries.
Other benefits to employees include:
- greater job satisfaction
- reduced stress
- a more collaborative work environment
- a stronger support system in the office
- increased happiness overall
“Having Paycom friends fosters a network of support, both personal and professional. The friendships I’ve made here have had a life-enriching effect that my life would otherwise be missing.”
—Logan K., Benefits Coordinator
How to make friends at work
Finding your newest office friend is easier than you may think. It’s extremely common to develop friendships in a workplace. More than half of Americans with close friends say they met one at their or their spouse’s workplace in the American Enterprise Institute’s June 2022 American Perspectives Survey.
Here are a few ways you can start to make friends at work:
1. Start with an introduction
Sometimes, it only takes a simple “hello” to meet your new office bestie. More likely than not, there are several colleagues you haven’t met yet, especially if you work at a large company. A simple introduction can lead to more interactions in the future. Who knows? Maybe the person sharing the elevator or pouring coffee in the break room could become your closest work friend.
2. Join your co-workers for lunch
Instead of eating lunch at your desk, try moving to a common space like a break room or cafeteria or taking a group out to a local restaurant. Lunch is a fantastic time to get to know co-workers and make casual conversation beyond routine office talk.
“Playing games during lunch helps me interact and connect with co-workers that I don’t really get to talk to during the day because of our vastly different roles.”
—Gabe D., Marketing Project Specialist
3. Join an interest group — or make your own!
Are you a big sports fan? A reading enthusiast? Innovative organizations provide space and opportunities for team members to bond and learn more about each other.
At Paycom, employees can participate in intramural leagues including disc golf, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, soccer and bowling. These provide a great way for employees to bond outside their team and department.
4. Participate in company activities
Organizations with strong company culture usually offer team activities inside and outside the office. These fun events are an easy way to get to know new people outside typical work life. Some companies, including Paycom, even offer in-office clubs like sports teams and employee resource groups to promote workplace bonding and increase team morale.
Paycom pals
Many Paycom employees have developed long-lasting friendships with co-workers, in part by working out, playing basketball or taking a group exercise class together in the gym at the Oklahoma City headquarters. Employees often grab lunch together in an office café, occasionally playing cards while they’re there.
“In our years of friendship, we’ve celebrated big life milestones together in and outside of work — weddings, kids, role changes and more.”
—Kristin P., Business Analyst
“My favorite part of having work friends is being able to jump in at any time and feel supported by them.”
—Crystal S., Benefits Coordinator
“The way Paycom is inclusive of so many cultures, religions, etc., has helped me grow as a person, understanding and respecting people’s differences.”
—Maily R., Prior Period Specialist
Ready to be part of a friendly and welcoming workplace? Apply today!
