Benefits June 14, 2007

Survey: Workplace Buddies Could Mean Productivity Boost

June 14, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Nearly 60% of executives noted that the level of productivity rises when workers are friends outside of work and 63% of employees agreed with that assessment, a recent survey by Accountemps found.
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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.”

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