The Value of Workplace Friendship: A Strategic Advantage for Business
The Value of Workplace Friendship: A Strategic Advantage for Business
Posted: International Day of Friendship | 30 July
We all know the phrase “It’s not personal, it’s business.” But in reality, the best businesses are built on strong relationships, and that includes friendships. On International Day of Friendship, we’re looking at how workplace relationships impact productivity, engagement, and retention, and how thoughtful recruitment can play a vital role in fostering the conditions where these relationships can thrive.
Why Workplace Friendships Matter
Friendships in the workplace go beyond camaraderie—they are a key driver of performance and wellbeing. According to Gallup, employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged, tend to produce higher-quality work, and are more likely to remain loyal to their employer.
From a business perspective, that translates into:
- Improved collaboration and team dynamics
- Higher retention rates
- Fewer sick days
- A stronger, more resilient culture
And, quite simply, work becomes more enjoyable when people feel connected.
From the shop floor to the boardroom: it’s universal
Whether it’s frontline retail staff or senior leadership teams, the impact of friendship spans the hierarchy. Studies have shown that social connection in the workplace improves psychological safety, fuels innovation, and reduces turnover, especially in high-stress or high-change environments.
And while it’s not something you can manufacture, you can hire for it. That’s where recruitment comes in.
Recruiting for connection
We know that placing someone into a role isn’t just about skills and experience. It’s about attitude, values, and interpersonal fit. It’s about asking: Will this person bring energy to the team? Will they build trust? Will they stick around?
As recruiters, we make it our mission to understand the culture behind the job spec. We ask the right questions, pay attention to the human cues, and find the candidates who will slot into your team, not just your org chart.
Because when someone clicks with their team, they settle faster, perform better, and stay longer.
How businesses can support workplace friendship
While you can’t force friendships, you can foster the right environment:
- Create space for connection – From team catch-ups to social spaces, give people room to engage beyond their task list.
- Lead with empathy – Leaders who model openness and kindness give permission for others to do the same.
- Hire with culture in mind – Prioritise emotional intelligence and team alignment alongside technical skills.
- Champion inclusion – Friendships flourish when people feel psychologically safe and valued.
Hiring for Human Connection
A successful hire is about more than matching skills to a job spec. It’s also about assessing values, interpersonal chemistry, and cultural alignment.
As recruiters, we prioritise understanding your team dynamic and organisational culture. We look beyond the CV to ask:
- Will this person positively contribute to the team dynamic?
- Will they build trust and rapport?
- Are they likely to stay and grow with your business?
When candidates feel a natural affinity with their colleagues, they tend to settle in faster, perform more confidently, and stay longer.
This International Day of Friendship, it’s worth remembering that good teams aren’t just built on skill. They’re built on trust, connection, and shared values. And the best recruitment partnerships are built the same way!
Dovetail Recruitment are an independent Recruitment Agency in Bournemouth. Follow us to keep up to date with The South’s Job Market Report, Recruitment in Hampshire & Dorset + HR news, as well as our latest jobs, career tips + everything else related to your working world.
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