As human beings, our mental health and wellbeing are closely linked to the connection we have with those around us. Given many of us spend a significant part of our waking hours at work, workplace friendships are vital to employee engagement and job success. But there are farer reaching benefits too. With millions of people across the globe suffering from loneliness, our workplaces offer a unique opportunity to enhance human connection through meaningful relationships.

Having work buddies has a long list of benefits. Let’s take a look:

• Work can get stressful at times. Having work friends to lean on can help you through difficult periods, as well as offer a different perspective when you’re in a rut
• Employees with close friends at work are more likely to advocate for a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment
• Work friends will often get creative, coming up with new, innovative ideas to approach their work
• Those with close work colleagues will get more done in less time. We are more productive when we have positive relationships with those around us
• Work friends help build a sense of belonging – there is a shared identity and purpose
• Having friends at work equals greater job satisfaction and higher retention
• Loyalty, trust and teamwork soar when we have friendships at work

Sometimes, you’ll quickly gel with another person, and a friendship blossoms without much effort. But consider how you might engage with your colleagues who you haven’t got to know as well yet.

• Organise shared lunches or a mid-morning walk to grab a coffee. Getting away from your desk and chatting causally can help you build new connections, and get to know your colleagues
• Lend a hand when you can. It’s doesn’t have to be taking on a big project, but offering help can build appreciation and trust
• Acknowledge and celebrate your colleagues. Let them know that you’re proud of their achievements, and you value their contributions to the team
• Plan activities or catch-ups outside of work. Don’t leave it until the end of year party – plan more regular opportunities to do social activities together
• Set up a group chat. Share pictures of your pets, your latest cook-up or highlights from a holiday
• Personalise your desk. This is a great conversation starter, and a way to learn more about your co-workers
• Greet one another, and check in. A ‘hi’ and ‘goodbye’ ensures everyone feels welcome and included at the start and end of the day. Asking questions and following up also builds connection. Check back in to see how your co-workers plans for the weekend went, if their children’s sport carnival was a success, or how their latest hobby is progressing.

Cultivating friendships at work leads to happy, healthy, and successful teams. Leveraging work as an avenue for social and human connection can help ease loneliness and isolation. Your colleagues play a pivotal role in your psychological safety at work – Take opportunity to get to know one another, build connection through intentional activities, and mindful interactions.