The survey of 150 senior executives and about 520 office workers also found that 22% of employees said befriending coworkers has a “very positive” impact on productivity while only 2% of managers felt as strongly.
The survey showed that 28% of executives said that being friends with coworkers had no effect at all on productivity, while one-quarter of employees took this stand.
“Colleagues who are friends are more likely to support one another when presented with challenges or new responsibilities, enhancing workflow and team spirit,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. “Supervisors can increase camaraderie by sponsoring team-building events and giving staff members the opportunity to get to know each other outside of an office setting.”