Happiness at work is determined by the friendships forged by employees with their co-workers. Friends at work ensure not just happiness but also safety and security. And we all know that employees are more comfortable sharing their true feelings, views and opinions in a safe environment, helping to build a more collaborative and innovative culture.
As per the ‘Power of Socialisation’ report from the Compass Group, 49 per cent of those employees in India who have a good friend at work admit that they love their job. A good 44 per cent feel connected to their colleagues for the same reason. About 41 per cent say that they feel like they belong at work because they have a good friend there. About 45 per cent say they feel they are able to express their views and opinions at work. A significant 49 per cent say they learn a lot from co-workers.
On the other hand, 20 per cent of workers without any friend at work love their job. Only about 15 per cent of those with no friend at work say they feel connected to their colleagues. When it comes to learning at work, only 18 per cent of those without any friends at work say they learn from the workplace.
Clearly, in the absence of socialisation, employers cannot experience the benefits of a diverse workforce where each member of the workforce feels empowered and included.
In fact, 46 per cent of employees admit that they are already thinking of moving on from their job because of loneliness. This feeling is a lot stronger amongst Gen Z (54 per cent) and Millennials (52 per cent).
About 28 per cent of employees from a social workplace say they do not plan to leave their current employer any time soon. About 34 per cent say they do not plan to leave their current employer but would keep their eyes open for other opportunities. About 25 per cent of those from social workplaces have started to think about what their next move will be.
While 34 per cent of those part of social organisations do not plan to leave their current employer, they do admit to keeping their eyes open for other opportunities. On the other hand 44 per cent of those working in workplaces that are not social are keeping their eyes open for better opportunities.
A sociable environment definitely encourages self-belief and confidence in the employees. Also, employees find social workplaces more inclusive and diverse. About 80 per cent of employees say that they want to work for a company that prioritises diversity, equity and inclusion. A good 53 per cent of employees from social organisations say they feel 100 per cent comfortable being their authentic self at work. In comparison, only 20 per cent of employees from somewhat social firms feel the same way and only 17 per cent of those associated with non social workplaces share the same sentiment.
While 55 per cent of employees from social organisations say they feel able to express their views and opinions at work, only 21 per cent of those from somewhat social workplaces and only 11 per cent from non social environments share the same sentiment.
A third of the work force surveyed comprised Gen Z, with 51 per cent male and 48 per cent females.