Can you really be friends with your colleagues, whether you work-from-home (WFH) or go into the office?

SINGAPORE — As working professionals, interactions with your colleagues are a big part of the workplace experience, regardless whether you see them daily in the office or have a hybrid work arrangement.

Can – or should – these professional connections evolve into genuine friendships that go beyond work discussions? While camaraderie can enhance teamwork and job satisfaction, there can also be drawbacks to blurring the lines between work and personal relationships.

Here are some things to consider:

Are your co-workers your friends?

It's hard to get by at work without making a single friend as most workers gravitate towards socialising and fostering deeper connections with their colleagues. Yet, a study conducted by workplace wellbeing firm TELUS Health found that more than half of workers in Singapore do not have trusted workplace relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Furthermore, the TELUS Mental Health Index found that one in 10 workers in Singapore do not feel valued and respected by their colleagues and are 60 per cent more likely to report that their mental health adversely affects their productivity at work.

The index also showed that 41 per cent of workers in Singapore felt unsure that harassment, bullying, unhealthy conflict, and other harmful behaviours could be quickly and fairly resolved in their workplace. This adds to the list of reasons why some may be more cautious about forming genuine friendships with their co-workers.

In an interview with Yahoo Finance Singapore, Paula Allen, Global Leader of Research & Client Insights at TELUS Health, said it is essential to consider two primary risks before forming friendships with your colleagues.

"Firstly, there is a danger of blurring the lines between friendship and professional responsibilities. It is crucial to maintain a balance between personal connections and work obligations to avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.

"Secondly, assuming trust prematurely can lead to unrealistic expectations and discomfort for both parties. Building trust takes time and should not be rushed, as forcing a friendship dynamic can strain relationships and impact trust levels. Ultimately, the risks lie in misinterpreting boundaries and expectations, potentially jeopardising both the friendship and work dynamics," said Allen.

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Pros and cons of being friends with your colleague

Forming friendships with colleagues that involve mutual trust, respect, and support can bring many benefits to one's work life. According to Allen, fostering relationships with co-workers can enhance communication, job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

"These friendships create a support system that can alleviate stress and provide emotional backing during challenging times. Collaboration is also enriched when working with friends, as it promotes creativity and makes tasks more enjoyable," she said. "In addition, the boost in morale from these relationships leads to higher engagement and productivity, ultimately creating a more positive and cohesive work environment."

Conversely, the lack of trusted workplace relationships, as highlighted by the TELUS Mental Health Index, can have detrimental consequences for an employee. In Allen's opinion, the absence of trust leads to increased stress levels, which can hinder focus, concentration and overall mental wellbeing.

"Employees may feel isolated and disconnected in such environments, leading to a decline in morale and job satisfaction. Moreover, prolonged exposure to a lack of trust can have damaging effects on physical health, contributing to issues such as anxiety and burnout," said Allen.

On the other hand, in environments where trust is prevalent, Allen said that employees experience reduced stress, higher levels of energy and increased job satisfaction.

"Trust fosters a sense of psychological safety, enabling employees to collaborate effectively, innovate and perform at their best. This positive work environment results in higher productivity, fewer instances of burnout, decreased absenteeism, and an overall improvement in life satisfaction for employees," said Allen.

How to set personal boundaries with your colleagues

Ultimately, fostering genuine friendships at work is a delicate balancing act. While employers can play a role in maintaining a good balance, Allen said that it is ultimately the responsibility of individuals to prioritise their own self-care.

"Employees can start by recognising signs of boundary violations, such as feeling overwhelmed or sacrificing personal time for work," Allen advised.

Additionally, Allen said that while engaging in difficult conversations about boundaries may be challenging, seeking support from Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can provide valuable guidance and coaching.

"By proactively addressing boundary issues and seeking assistance when needed, employees can cultivate a work environment that promotes wellbeing and sustainable productivity," said Allen.

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