The value of work friends

While many people have friends at work, few feel they have truly close friends there, writes Yale professor Marissa King. She notes the somewhat forced nature of reporting structures and seating assignments, the transactional nature of work and the complications money can bring to relationships. But deep work friendships can benefit employees and employers alike. “Employees who report having close friends at work are more efficient, more satisfied with their job, and even less likely to get in accidents at work,” writes King. Fortunately, she says the benefits can come from having only one or two close confidants.